Manx cycling superstar Mark Cavendish is ranked as third favourite for this year's B.B.C. Sports Personality of the Year Award, behind Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and 14 year old diver Tom Daley.

The other two have yet to win anything during 2008, while Cav has won four stages on the Tour de France and two on the Giro d'Italia. He is also World Madison Track Champion alongside Bradley Wiggins.

Mark Cavendish is ahead of stars such as boxers Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan, marathon runner Paula Radcliffe and tennis player Andy Murray.

This year's live programme comes from Liverpool on Sunday 14th December.