Fellow Paralympian Kadeena Cox is also nominated, having won gold medals both cycling and athletics in Rio, becoming the first British Paralympian to win golds in multiple sports at the same Games since Isabel Barr in 1984.

– Interview: 14 Paralympic gold medals, but Dame Sarah Storey’s not done yet –

However, Froome, who claimed his third Tour title in July before winning time trial bronze in Rio, couldn’t force his way onto a shortlist dominated by Olympic champions.

Alistair Brownlee is second-favourite, having won his second Olympic triathlon title in Rio, before capturing the heart of the nation by giving up his own chance of winning the final race of the 2016 World Triathlon Series in Cozumel, Mexico, to help his brother Jonny, who had collapsed, over the line.

The shortlist also includes Nicola Adams (boxing), Gareth Bale (football), Sophie Christiansen (equestrian), Mo Farah (athletics), Adam Peaty (swimming), Kate Richardson-Walsh (hockey), Nick Skelton (equestrian), Jamie Vardy (football), Max Whitlock (gymnastics) and Danny Willett (golf).

Murray won the award in 2015, while three cyclists have scooped the prize in the last ten years, with Sir Chris Hoy leading the charge in 2008, before Mark Cavendish picked up the 2011 gong and Wiggins followed suit a year later.

The winner of the 2016 award will be decided by a public vote during the televised ceremony on Sunday December 18.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2016 shortlist

Nicola Adams (boxing)
Gareth Bale (football)
Alastair Brownlee (triathlon)
Sophie Christiansen (equestrian)
Kadeena Cox (athletics/cycling)
Mo Farah (athletics)
Jason Kenny (cycling)
Laura Kenny (cycling)
Andy Murray (tennis)
Adam Peaty (swimming)
Kate Richardson-Walsh (hockey)
Nick Skelton (equestrian)
Dame Sarah Storey (cycling)
Jamie Vardy (football)
Max Whitlock (gymnastics)
Danny Willett (golf).