Peter Kennaugh (Team Sky)

Team Sky performance manager Rod Ellingworth knows a thing or two about precocious Manx talent, having been the man behind Mark Cavendish rise to world champion. And Ellingworth told RCUK earlier this year that Pete Kennaugh is the next big thing in British Cycling – so who are we to disagree? The Olympic team pursuit champion made the switch from track to road in style this year, earning a surprise selection as part of Chris Froome’s Tour de France support team.

And the 24-year-old Manxman rose to the challenge, putting in some huge shifts for his team leader, showing a climbing ability which belied his young age. He even recovered from a spectacular fall into a ditch to continue to lead Froome up many huge climbs before peeling away for chief lieutenant Richie Porte to take over.

With Froome, Porte and Sir Bradley Wiggins all hoping for success in 2014, Kennaugh could well be called into action again as he continues his journey towards targeting individual success of his own.