Storey won the award following a very successful campaign at the International Cycling Union (UCI) Para-cycling Track Championships in Milton in Canada in March.

There, she won the women's pursuit, scratch race and omnium, bringing her world title tally up to a total of 38.

"I'm thrilled to have won this evening; I genuinely didn't expect any nominations let alone an award," said Storey.

"It's a super way to end what has been an unusual year.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have started 2020 the way I intended to go on, but even with plans on hold for 12 months, I don't feel any less motivated."

Storey has won an award at the ceremony before, claiming the prize in 1992 in the "schoolgirl" category after making her Paralympic debut in swimming at Barcelona 1992, and then again in 1996 as Student of the Year after a successful Games at Atlanta 1996.

Able-bodied cyclist Lizzie Deignan was also shortlisted for the Sportswoman of the Year, having won three major races in the autumn once the road cycling season restarted following the COVID-19 outbreak.

That was enough to also secure her place as the overall champion of the UCI Women's WorldTour rankings for 2020.

British Cycling performance director Stephen Park praised Storey's performances this season stating the award had "filled him with pride".

"Watching Sarah win three more world titles in Milton was one of my highlights from 2020," said Park.

"She is an incredible athlete and is a fantastic spokesperson for our sport, as demonstrated by the work she does in her role as active travel commissioner for the Sheffield City region.

"I was pleased to see Sarah's achievements recognised by winning the Disability Sportswoman of the Year award."

Storey is a 14-time Paralympic champion in both swimming and cycling, making her the most successful British Paralympian of all time.