A Knighthood? For riding a bicycle?

[Mk5 GTian]

In days of old, you'd have to slay a dragon, or at least rescue a princess from a dastardly Lord's castle.

Nowadays it seems you can get one for winning a bicycle race!

Shouldn't you have to do something truely heroic for the top gong? Sir Ian Botham was awarded his primarily for his incredible charity work, as well as incredible cricketing feats. His long-distance endurance walks have raised over £12million for various charities, primarily Leukaemia Research.

What do you think?

[gtipirelli]

Totally agree

[mad_pete]

He won 2 bicycle races to be fair.

[markymark]

He won the toughest endurance race on earth, something no other Brit has ever achieved... I think that deserves a little recognition!

[Mk5 GTian]

He won the toughest endurance race on earth, something no other Brit has ever achieved... I think that deserves a little recognition!

I agree, It does deserve 'a little recognition'. But a knighthood is a bit more than that!

[Mk5 GTian]

He won 2 bicycle races to be fair.

 

[phil1975]

Oh good topic sir

I was of the view honours were more for recognition of a life time of achievements both for members of the public who give up so much to help others and for celebrities (a very much over used word) who quite rightly as you say like ian botham and roger moore who do so much for charities.

I take nothing away from bradley wiggins whose achievements this year have been remarkable especially in the light of the lance armstrong affair, but I feel that some of these honours are given out on the strength of there perceived popularity with the public.

[JJ]

To be fair to Wiggo, he's won quite a few more bike races than the two in 2012 that he's become most famous for.  He was a prolific track rider before switching disciplines to road racing.  He's won more medals than any other British Olympian so if they're dishing gongs out for services to sport, he has to be top of the list?

[RedRobin]

I take nothing away from bradley wiggins whose achievements this year have been remarkable especially in the light of the lance armstrong affair, but I feel that some of these honours are given out on the strength of there perceived popularity with the public.

.... x 2

I'm a great fan of 'Wiggo' and an ex cyclist who has known the physical suffering (my bike could have won the Tour de France but I couldn't!), but I agree - A Knighthood is too much and I expect that Wiggo himself also thinks so. But 'Wiggo' has done more for cycling sport than (Sir) Chris Hoy AFAIK - He's not a newcomer. Furthermore, I expect that 'Wiggo' will use his knighthood and fame to good effect - Compulsory cycling helmets and public bike licencing please!

Now, as for the lovely Jessica Ennis..................



She deserves an award for that arse alone!  

[Mk5 GTian]

I take nothing away from bradley wiggins whose achievements this year have been remarkable especially in the light of the lance armstrong affair, but I feel that some of these honours are given out on the strength of there perceived popularity with the public.

.... x 2

I'm a great fan of 'Wiggo' and an ex cyclist who has known the physical suffering (my bike could have won the Tour de France but I couldn't!), but I agree - A Knighthood is too much and I expect that Wiggo himself also thinks so. But 'Wiggo' has done more for cycling sport than (Sir) Chris Hoy AFAIK - He's not a newcomer. Furthermore, I expect that 'Wiggo' will use his knighthood and fame to good effect - Compulsory cycling helmets and public bike licencing please!

Now, as for the lovely Jessica Ennis..................



She deserves an award for that arse alone!  

Well I'd certainly like to park  in there, and I'm not talking about my bicycle!!

[tony_danza]

He's the best in the world at something that requires a lot of effort and dedication. If that inspires one kid to get off their fat arse and do real sport, instead of Playstation sport, then that's good with me.

Now, MPs being knighted, that gets on my tits. They're paid very well to do a job, and with very few exceptions never go above and beyond their remit. However they seem to throw honours around the house like confetti.

[RedRobin]

He's the best in the world at something that requires a lot of effort and dedication. If that inspires one kid to get off their fat arse and do real sport, instead of Playstation sport, then that's good with me.

Now, MPs being knighted, that gets on my tits. They're paid very well to do a job, and with very few exceptions never go above and beyond their remit. However they seem to throw honours around the house like confetti.

....I don't have a problem with Wiggo's award. I only wonder what he thinks about it.

The reason that MP's get sprinkled with honours is to do with them being in The House Of Commons and the pure politics of passing into The House Of Lords. The Lords are the next rung up on The Establishment's ladder of power.

[SRC]

How dare you suggest that Sir Bradley hasn't earned his knighthood?  Sir Wiggo beat the French in France.  Even the Duke of Wellington didn't manage that!

(According to Wikipedia, Waterloo was in Holland but has moved to Belgium).

 

[Hedge]

Multiple Olympic medals, World Championships, National titles and the Tour de France.

I damn well think Wiggo deserves a Knighthood along with all those like Sir Chris Hoy, Vicky Pendleton.

Cycling is a tough persons sport make no mistake.

[garrardrj]

"Sirs" used to be far and few between , to get one for his achievements is demeaning of otheres who have done alot more for society (What has he done for society) their reward is their Salary and medals etc. They do not need honours to "Pat them on the back" the "Honours System" is there for those people that go unrewarded and achieve exceptional unrewarded things. I disagree with most awards/recognition having refused several in my current position . I do not believe the sportstars deserve this recognition . But then our Government reccommend who to give them to anyway , so its not "The Queen" who chooses them anyway , she just gives them out/approves them