British Cycling’s chief executive Ian Drake has become an Honorary of the University of Derby at their 2014 annual awards ceremony in recognition of the continuing success of British Cycling at both elite and participation level.

Drake has been honoured at the 2014 ceremony alongside others who have contributed significantly to their respective fields, including former Poet Laureate Cathy Grindrod, TV producer Kate Oates, and former Formula One driver Tim Parnell.

The award has been given in recognition of the outstanding success enjoyed by British Cycling over the last decade.

The Great Britain Cycling Team topped the medals tables at the last two Olympics, there have been two successive British winners of the Tour De France, British Cycling membership has grown to over 85,000, and the organisation was named Sport’s Governing Body of the Year at the 2013 Sports Industry Awards.

Speaking of his award, Ian Drake said: “It is a great honour to be selected as an Honorary of the University of Derby and to share this special day with so many other graduates.

“Inspired by the success of elite riders like Chris Froome, Sir Bradley Wiggins and Laura Trott, more and more people are riding their bikes and as the governing body for the sport in this country we have a responsibility to ensure that we provide everyone with the opportunities to get into cycling, however they ride.

“So much great work is done by hundreds of people across the country, whether that be British Cycling staff, coaches or our army of volunteers who give up their time so generously. This recognition is a reflection of that.”