Cadel wins Governor's award in Victoria

Tweet

Tour de France champion Cadel Evans was awarded the prestigious Governor's award as Victorian sportsperson of the year for 2011 on Monday night.

The 34-year-old was also named Victorian male athlete of the year for the fifth time, while 2010 Commonwealth Games gymnastics gold medallist Ashleigh Brennan won the female athlete of the year honour.

For the top distinction, Evans rose above a list of accomplished athletes including Australia's first snowboard world champion Alex Pullin and Opals basketball star Liz Cambage.

"Cadel not only performed extremely well to become the first ever Australian to win the Tour de France but the way he has conducted himself since has had a positive impact in the promotion of Victorian sport and cycling," said vicsport CEO Mark McAllion.

Australian sailing legend John Bertrand was recognised with the outstanding contribution to sport award and VIS head cycling coach Dave Sanders was awarded 2011 Victorian coach of the year.

Rising swimming star Nicholas Groenewald was named Victorian junior athlete of the year and NBL referee Bill Mildenhall took out Victorian official of the year.