NEWPORT’S Darren Tudor has been nominated for the top prize at the 2014 Wales Sport Awards.

Welsh Cycling’s head coach is up for the coach of the year trophy alongside Jo Coombs of Welsh Gymnastics and Welsh Boxing coach Colin Jones.

All three enjoyed success at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with Tudor’s cyclists winning five medals – one gold, one silver and two bronze – across the track and road.

Geraint Thomas’ gold in the road race on the final day of competition in Glasgow was the highlight of a busy year for Tudor.

The 37-year-old also coaches Newport’s Jon Mould, Risca’s Sam Harrison and Team USN, Wales’ UCI Track Team.

“The year has been a bit of a blur with so much happening in training and competitions,” said Tudor.

“We have had more Welsh riders progressing to the British Cycling Olympic Podium Programme and moving up to Manchester.

“The Commonwealth Games was the central focus for the year and was a great success for cycling and the whole of Team Wales and Geraint winning the gold medal in the men’s road race was a moment that stands out for 2014.

“It’s always nice to be recognised for your achievements, but that’s not why I coach,” he added. “There’s always the wider team of support staff at Welsh Cycling and Sport Wales as well who support the riders and programme and it is good for everyone to be recognised for their contributions.”

Caerleon’s Ieuan Coombes is also nominated for the young volunteer of the year award.

The 21-year-old former Caerleon Comprehensive School pupil began volunteering with Monmouthshire’s sports development team when he was 17, and focused on increasing young people’s participation in disability sports.

“Sport has helped me challenge the physical limitations of my disability and helped me to develop confidence. I thought I could do more than just participate,” said Coombes, who has a form of cerebral palsy which affects his movement.

The Wales Sport Awards is a partnership between Sport Wales and BBC Wales to create the country’s biggest annual sporting celebration.

The finalists will come together on December 8 at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff to recognise the very best of elite and grassroots sport in Wales.

The nominations are as follows:

Coach of the Year

  • Jo Coombs (gymnastics)
  • Darren Tudor (cycling)
  • Colin Jones (boxing)

Volunteer of the Year

  • Donna Marshall (rugby union, Taffs Well RFC)
  • Trevor Dutton (football, Rhyl)
  • Steve Dyer (football, Ely Valley FC)

Community Coach of the Year

  • Julia Rees (gymnastics, Maldwyn Dragons)
  • Royden Healey (triathlon, Ruthin Tri Stars)
  • Nicola Stroud (golf, Gower Golf Club)

Young Coach of the Year

  • Rachel Davies (multi-sport, RCT)
  • Rebecca Peart (cycling, Newport and Cardiff)
  • Niall McGuinness (football, Rhyl FC)

Young Volunteer of the Year

  • Rhys Young (athletics and multi-sport, Bridgend/Bridgend Athletics Club)
  • Ieuan Coombes (multi-sport, Monmouthshire)
  • Shannon Heard (multi-sport and gymnastics, Bridgend/A-Z Gymnastics Club)

Coach to Disabled People of the Year

  • Paul Jenkins (wheelchair rugby, South Wales Pirates Wheelchair Rugby Club)
  • Ben Clifford (surfing, Swansea)
  • Samuel Moore (surfing and swimming, Bridgend)