Tour de France winner Thomas takes top award

TOUR de France champion Geraint Thomas has won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, beating Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton into second place, with England captain Harry Kane third.

Thomas becomes the fifth cyclist to win the award – the fourth in the last decade – and the fifth athlete from Wales.

On receiving his award in Birmingham, the Team Sky rider said: “I should have thought about what I was going to say.

“Thanks to everyone who voted. I’m really lucky I came into cycling at the time I did.

“A lot has been said about inspiring people this evening, I was just going down the local leisure centre for a swim and ended up riding my bike.

“I’ve got so many people to thank. My parents and everyone in my family are a massive inspiration.

“It’s been an amazing year for British sport, long may it continue.” Sports Personality of the Year Geraint Thomas.

Greatest Sporting Moment of the Year - England netball Commonwealth Games golf.

Lifetime Achievement Billie Jean King.

Team of the Year England netball.

Coach of the Year Gareth Southgate.

World Sport Star of the Year Francesco Molinari.

Helen Rollason Award Billy Monger.

Young Sports Personality of the Year Kare Adenegan.