LIZZIE Armitstead can create history on Sunday if she is named as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Although cyclist Mark Cavendish, Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Bradley Wiggins have all lifted the coveted award, no female rider has ever been named as winner.

After her stunning performances in retaining the UCI World Cup and World Road Race Championships, Armitstead is fully deserving of her place on the 12-strong short list.

It is now down to a public vote to decide the 2015 winner, who will be announced at the BBC’s glittering ceremony in Belfast on Sunday.

The popular Otley star is in competition with a stellar cast.

Athletes Jessica Ennis-Hill, Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford are also included in the final 12, with tennis player Andy Murray, F1’s Lewis Hamilton and footballer Lucy Bronze.

Boxer Tyson Fury, fellow cyclist Chris Froome, swimmer Adam Peaty, gymnast Max Whitlock and rugby league’s Kevin Sinfield are the other nominees.

Armitstead has also grown into something of a spokeswoman for her sport, particularly in relation to sexism which she admitted to having encountered on many occasions in her early career.

But she has maintained she is comfortable remaining on the Sports Personality shortlist with boxer Fury, whose sexist and also homophobic comments have angered some of her rivals.

“It’s the panel who decided the list and I think the best thing I can do is stay on that list and represent my performances this year,” added Armitstead.

“I’m just really happy to have made the list.

“And I t