Senior British cycling administrators, Peter King and Tony Yorke, have been acknowledged for their contribution to the development of British cycling in the Queen's Birthday Honours, announced on Saturday. King, a former CEO of British Cycling, has been appointed a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) while Yorke, the former National Manager of the British Paralympic Team, has been made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE).
Currently serving as British Cycling's executive director, Peter King served as British Cycling's CEO for 12 years before standing down from the position at the end of 2008. During his tenure as CEO he oversaw the ongoing development of British cycling. The strength of the organisation was underscored by the British cycling team's dominance at last year's Olympic games, where it claimed eight gold medals.
Tony Yorke has been actively involved with British Cycling since 1979 and is credited with helping to introduce Paralympic cycling into the auspices of the International Cycling Union (UCI). In Beijing last year, the British Paralympic cycling team took a record breaking 17 gold and three silver medals.
Describing the royal honour as a humbling experience Peter King was quick to acknowledge others involved in British Cycling. "At British Cycling I was fortunate to build a terrific team of loyal, dedicated and professional staff. I had constant support of successive committed and knowledgeable Board members, led by the hardest working President [Brian Cookson] in British sport," said King. "I was also able to call on the energy and enthusiasm of thousands of volunteer officials and club coaches all over the country, all of whom have contributed to the re-incarnation of the sport of cycling in the UK. To all of these wonderful people I dedicate this honour," he said.
The appointments of King and Yorke follow the investiture of members of the British Olympic squad who received royal honours in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. Winner of three gold medals in Beijing, Sir Chris Hoy was knighted by Prince Charles, while Bradley Wiggins and British Team Director David Brailsford were appointed CBE. Compatriots Victoria Pendleton and Jason Kenny were made MBE.
