Gold postbox to honor Manx athlete
BBCA postbox has been painted gold in celebration of a two-time gold-medalist athlete.
Manx-born cyclist Matthew Bostock, from Marown, was crowned world champion in the 40km race at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in August, and won the Men's scratch race at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in China last month.
The idea to honor the 29-year-old with a gold postbox was put to the Isle of Man Post Office by Marown Commissioners.
"Matthew is very humble, he doesn't go around shouting about his achievements. We wanted to do this for him, especially on Ballagarey Road, as that is where he grew up and his family lives," said commissioner Alison Lynch.
Lynch said the idea came about following a similar accolodate for Peter Kennaugh in Onchan in 2012 following his world record-breaking achievement at the London Olympics.
"Onchan requested for a postbox to be painted and they got it... so we spoke to Matthew's family first and got their consent before approaching the Post Office," Lynch said.
She added that while Bostock and his family had not seen the box yet, his parents were "very proud, extremly happy and grateful" and Bostock was "absolutely over the moon".
"He is hoping to be on the island towards the end of November, and we will try to get something arranged at the box," she added.
Lynch said having watched Matthew grow up in the parish and reach the heights he had made her extremely proud.
"Not just me, everyone on the Isle of Man is proud of his achievements. People wake up early to watch his live races no matter the time difference. He has a huge backing from here all cheering his on," she added.
Bostock has been nominateed for the British Cycling National Champion of the Year award for 2026.
The winner will be announced next week.
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