Bradley Wiggins, the Mod from Kilburn who made sporting history by winning the Tour de France and an Olympic gold this year, is knighted in the 2013 New Year Honours.
Sir Bradley heads a sparkling list of sporting heroes, including sailor Ben Ainslie, who gets a knighthood, para-cyclist Sarah Storey, who is made a dame, and Jessica Ennis, Victoria Pendleton, Mo Farah and David Weir, who all get CBEs.
Affectionately known as Wiggo, the first British winner of the Tour, said: "It's quite something really. I never imagined that I would ever become a knight. There was never any doubt whether I'd accept it or not, it was more a case that I never saw myself as a Sir, and I probably never will."
There was also recognition for those behind the Olympic Games. Lord Coe, who becomes a Companion of Honour, while Jean Tomlin, who led the Games Maker programme, receives an OBE. Dame Sarah, 35, one of the country's most successful Paralympians, is honoured for services to para-cycling after winning four gold medals at London 2012, taking her Paralympic gold medal total to 11.
She said: "I can't believe the number of times we've said: 'Oh, can 2012 possibly get any better?' We feel so fortunate that 2012 will always stand out as being the most incredible year."
Knighthoods go to Ainslie, the most decorated sailor in Olympic history with four gold medals at four consecutive Games, and Dave Brailsford and David Tanner, performance directors at British Cycling and British Rowing, who drove their teams to success at London 2012.
Ainslie said: "This is an incredible honour. When I set out Olympic sailing 20 years ago, I never would have dreamt this would happen."
CBEs go to heptathlete and London 2012 poster girl Ennis, cyclist Pendleton, wheelchair athlete Weir, and Farah, who captured the nation's hearts with his double gold in the 5000m and 10,000m.
OBEs go to equestrians Sophie Christiansen and Charlotte Dujardin, paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds and cycling couple Laura Trott and Jason Kenny.
Among those to get MBEs are boxer Nicola Adams and Triathlon gold medallist Alistair Brownlee but his brother Jonathan, who took bronze, misses out.
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