"I don't really know why I got so many votes. I put the link on Facebook so that probably had a lot to do with it. I also coach some new riders so maybe they went to school and told their mates to vote for me."
Hamilton is also a finalist for the Vodafone Junior Sportsman of the Year award, with the winner to be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday.
Meanwhile, Rotorua woman Tayla Ammunson was announced the winner of the iPad Air on offer for People's Choice voters.
She said she didn't even know there was a prize up for grabs.
"I was surprised when I had won because one, I never win anything, and two, I didn't even know there was something to win."
She said she was excited to start using the iPad Air.
"I've thought a lot about getting one so to get one for free is pretty awesome."
The annual Bay of Plenty Sports Awards, which are hosted by Sport Bay of Plenty, aim to recognise all aspects of sport with award categories highlighting the achievements of sports clubs, administrators, coaches and officials alongside those athletes who are at the top of their sports nationally and internationally.
-The Bay of Plenty Sports Awards gala dinner is being held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Friday from 6pm. Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased through the Sports Bay of Plenty website - visit www.sportbop.co.nz/bopsportsawards.
