Former individual pursuit world champion Alison Palmer's contribution to the sport was acknowledged at Cycling New Zealand's annual awards evening in Cambridge on Saturday.
Palmer (nee Shanks) won the service to cycling award.
The 36-year-old two-time world champion and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist has backed up a career on the track with a career in the boardroom.
She has been on the board of the national body for the past five years and continues "to work to raise the profile of cycling, and females in cycling, through her role as New Zealand Olympic Ambassador'', Cycling New Zealand said in a release.
Palmer could not be reached for comment but said in a social network post she was "very humbled'' to have received the award.
"The past five years as a director on the Cycling NZ Board have been an opportunity to contribute to a sport that has given me so much.
"Our sport has continued to develop. We've had our challenges but also celebrated many successes.
"My inquisitive mind have been opened to the world of governance and I am excited to continue my involvement in sport governance.
"Once a cyclist always a cyclist and I continue to enjoy getting out on my bike ... just at a different pace for now with the kids.
"I would encourage other athletes, especially our females, to seek out opportunities to stay involved in your sport - the athlete perspective is so valuable around our leadership tables.''
