'It makes it even more special': World champion reacts to golden post box tribute

Isle of Man cycling world champion Matthew Bostock has said he cannot wait to return home and see a gold-painted post box celebrating his achievements.

The 29-year-old, known as Bocky, has thanked the people of Marown for coming together to make the tribute in his home estate of Ballagarey a reality.

Reacting to the news, he said: ‘It feels so nice that the people of Marown came together and pushed for the post box to be painted gold to recognise my achievements.

‘It makes it feel even more special.’

Bostock also thanked the Isle of Man Post Office, Marown Parish Commissioners' Alison Lynch, Isle of Man Today reporter Tom Curphey and Middle MHK Jane Poole-Wilson for helping to get the project over the line.

He added: ‘I can't wait to get home and take the dog for a walk round Greeba Avenue and see the post box in person!’

The post box, on Ballagarey Road at its junction with Greeba Avenue, recognises a remarkable year for the Glen Vine cyclist.

Bostock won Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow in August before becoming scratch race world champion at the UCI Track World Championships in China last month.

He is also shortlisted for the 2026 National Champion of the Year award at the British Cycling Awards, which take place in Manchester later this month.

Marown Parish Commissioners are now working on an official unveiling, with discussions taking place with Bostock and his parents, Selena and Andy.

The tribute follows an Isle of Man Today opinion piece calling for his Commonwealth Games achievement to be recognised in his home parish.

It also continues a tradition of celebrating major cycling successes with golden post boxes, following the one outside Onchan Post Office which was painted in honour of Peter Kennaugh's Olympic gold medal at London 2012.