Peter Kennaugh receives MBE for services to cycling

Peter Kennaugh was given his honour for services to cycling

Olympic gold medallist Peter Kennaugh has received an MBE for services to cycling.

The 24-year-old, from Onchan, was recognised in the New Year Honours after he became the island's first Olympic gold medallist for 100 years.

"It is a great honour and I am delighted all my family and friends could share it with me," said the Manx cyclist.

He won gold at the London games as part of Britain's team pursuit cycling team.

He was also one of the winning team pursuit cyclists at the 2012 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Melbourne.

On Sunday, Kennaugh finished fourth in the National Road Race Championship in Glasgow, won by fellow Manx cyclist Mark Cavendish.

'Banging a triangle'

The Team Sky cyclist, who is equally at home on road and track, elected to have the service on the island as opposed to Buckingham Palace because of his racing commitments - and so that his family could attend.

He added: "It is 500 metres from where I used to live with my mum and dad so it means a lot to me to accept it here."

Mr Kennaugh's father, Peter Kennaugh Senior, said: "We were proud of him when he was banging a triangle in the school nativity play so we obviously proud of him today. We are proud of all our children's achievements."

"He works incredibly hard and it is perhaps not as glamorous as people think.

"I can't wait to see him compete in the Tour de France. It has been his dream since he first rode a bike."

Kennaugh started riding a BMX at the age of six and has won multiple British, European, World and Olympic titles.

The Team Sky rider was presented with his MBE by the Isle of Man's Lieutenant Governor, Adam Wood, at Government House.

Mr Wood is the representative on the Isle of Man of the Lord of Mann, currently Queen Elizabeth II.