VIDEO: Man behind Bradley Wiggins' Tour de France success, Dave Brailsford, gets freedon of Erewash borough
THE brains behind Britain's cycling success has been given the freedom of Erewash borough at a ceremony.
Dave Brailsford, 48, who lives in Ilkeston, masterminded Team GB's seven gold medals at London 2012 and also managed Bradley Wiggins' stunning Tour de France win.
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Dave Brailsford
The last time the honour was given was five years ago to the Mercian Regiment, allowing the troops to march through the borough.
Mr Brailsford received a scroll and a medal during a ceremony at West Park Leisure Centre, Long Eaton, last night.
He said: "It's very humbling to be recognised like this in my home borough.
"I visit places all over the world but I still prefer cycling from here into the Derbyshire hills – there's some fantastic scenery there, better than many places in the world I visit.
"It's been a great year for cycling and I'm proud to have been part of that. As for next year, we've laid some fantastic groundwork and we will hopefully continue to be successful."
Mr Brailsford, performance director for British Cycling, has been described by Olympic Association chairman Lord Moynihan as a "sporting legend".
During this year's Olympics, British cyclists won seven out of a possible ten gold medals on the track, plus a silver and a bronze.
There were also three other medals, including a gold for Bradley Wiggins in the time trial.
And as Mr Wiggins picked up Sports Personality of the Year last Sunday, Mr Brailsford bagged the Coach of the Year award for the second time.
Councillor Chris Corbett, leader of Erewash Borough Council, said: "The presentation of this award, which is made on behalf of all the residents of Erewash, is a very proud moment for both this borough and for Dave.
"We salute his incredible achievements and honour a man who has been such an inspiration to so many people – and who will continue to be so.
"His achievements and the important role he has played in the success of British cycling are now a part of sporting history.
"A Freedom of the Borough award is very rarely bestowed on anyone and must only be awarded to someone who has achieved something outstanding, so what better recipient in Erewash than Dave Brailsford?"
Jennifer Hulls, Mayor of Erewash, added: "This is a fantastic way to mark 2012 which has seen the country have so much sporting success."
Comments
by Nick2812
Thursday, December 20 2012, 3:20PM
“I've no idea what Mr Brailsford's hourly fee is, but should Nottingham City Council ever decide to invest in some further 'mentoring' (I believe that's the current buzz-word) for its senior management and councillors I would like to recommend they give him the gig.
This man knows how to deliver results.”
by mattgaltress
Thursday, December 20 2012, 1:41PM
“Congratulations to Mr Brailsford. Our Olympic and Paralympic teams helped to enspire a nation this summer, and British Cycling under Mr Brailsford had a part to play in that, so he is worthy of this award.”