British cyclist Pidcock wins Laureus Award

British cyclist Tom Pidcock has been named Action Sportsperson of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

The 25-year-old defended his Olympic mountain bike title in dramatic fashion at the 2024 Paris Games.

Pidcock suffered a puncture and had to change wheels before fighting back to win gold.

He is the fourth British cyclist to win the award after Jamie Bestwick (2014), Rachel Atherton (2017) and Beth Shriever (2022).

Meanwhile, American gymnast Simone Biles was crowned Sportswoman of the Year for a record-equalling fourth time.

After taking a break from the sport, Biles returned to win three golds and a silver at last summer’s Olympics.

Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis was named Sportsman of the Year after he broke his own world record to win Olympic gold in Paris.

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, 17, won the Breakthrough Award after starring for Spain as they won Euro 2024.

Jude Bellingham won the award last year and the England midfielder was part of the Real Madrid side named Team of the Year.

The Spanish giants won the La Liga title as well as a record-extending 15th European Cup.

There was more Spanish success as tennis legend Rafael Nadal won the Sporting Icon award after he retired from the sport in 2024.

“A Sporting Icon? I think that is for other people to decide,” the 22-time Grand Slam winner said.

Sportsman of the Year Award: Mondo Duplantis

Sportswoman of the Year Award: Simone Biles

Team of the Year Award: Real Madrid

Breakthrough of the Year Award: Lamine Yamal

Comeback of the Year Award: Rebeca Andrade

Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Jiang Yuyan

Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Tom Pidcock

Sport for Good Award: Kick4Life

Sporting Icon Award: Rafael Nadal