December 16, 2008 – Three champions, three disciplines, three countries. Fabian Cancellara (road), Chris Hoy (track) and Sven Nys (cyclo-cross) have been voted the top sportspeople of 2008 in their respective countries: Switzerland, Great Britain and Belgium. In addition to the great individual merit for the riders, who have been rewarded for excellent performances at the Olympic Games and other major competitions during the season, these extremely prestigious awards represent an unquestionable success for cycling as a whole.

It is athletes such as Fabian Cancellara, Chris Hoy and Sven Nys, together with Heinz Frei, winner of two gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Beijing and voted the best Swiss sportsperson in the disabled category, who express and promote the fundamental values of our sport all around the world.

The UCI warmly congratulates these riders for their excellent results during the votes, confirming the popularity of our sport, and thanks them for their contribution to developing the various disciplines of cycling.