Sir Chris Hoy retires from competitive cycling

Sir Chris Hoy retires from competitive cycling

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British Cycling’s President, Brian Cookson OBE, today paid tribute to the “unparalleled impact” Sir Chris Hoy’s success has had on cycling. On the day that Hoy announced his retirement at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, Cookson credited him as “one of the first track riders to propel cycling into the mainstream” as well as a role model who has “inspired thousands of people to get on bikes.”

Paying tribute to Sir Chris Hoy’s fantastic career, British Cycling’s President, Brian Cookson OBE, said:

“The impact that Sir Chris Hoy has had on our sport since he won his first gold medal in Athens in 2004 is unparalleled. It goes without saying that not only is Chris an absolutely phenomenal athlete, but he is also an exceptional individual. The fact that he’s acquired six gold medals and is Britain’s most successful ever Olympian is testament to this. But Chris has done so much more for cycling – he was one of the first track riders to propel cycling into the mainstream back in 2008, bringing track cycling to new audiences and inspiring thousands of people to get on their bikes.

“Chris has always been a fantastic role model – his professionalism, passion for the sport and his determination to succeed at the highest level is central to the Great Britain Cycling Team ethos and is something that he has helped to foster amongst his colleagues as they look ahead to Rio. This truly does feel like the end of an era and we have a lot to thank Sir Chris Hoy for at British Cycling. Although I know Chris will still be involved in the sport and that he will continue to work with us, I want to wish him all the best for the future.”

VIDEO: Jason Kenny and British Cycling's sprint coaches on Hoy's contribution to the sport

Performance Director of the Great Britain Cycling Team, Sir Dave Brailsford, added:

"Chris’ application, athleticism and dedication are second to none and I’ve said it many times but he is a true Olympic champion who embodies all of the Olympic values."

British Cycling Performance Director Sir Dave Brailsford

“I can’t speak highly enough of Chris and his career. On a personal note I will never forget his Kilo in Athens – it was one of the most epic Olympic moments that I’ve ever experienced, the tension in the build-up was unreal. Chris’ application, athleticism and dedication are second to none and I’ve said it many times but he is a true Olympic champion who embodies all of the Olympic values. Chris is always welcome to come back to the velodrome and share his experiences and wisdom with the next generation of cyclists, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.”

During a video interview, recorded on Tuesday by British Cycling at its Manchester base, Sir Chris admitted that the decision to retire wasn’t taken lightly: “London squeezed every drop out of me. To go on to Glasgow would have been one race too far.” Hoy also talked about how he is hoping to take on a mentoring role for the Scottish team in Glasgow.

When asked about his career highlight, Hoy said: “It’d have to be a toss up between the kilo in Athens or the keirin, my final medal, in London.”

On what Hoy would like to see change for cycling in the future, he said: “People want to see cycling further up the political agenda. It’s nice to see people out riding their bikes and having fun with it.”

And on his own plans for cycling from now on, Hoy added: “After a while you start associating your bike with pain. One of the biggest things I’m looking forward to is riding my bike for fun.”

Recorded at the National Cycling Centre, Hoy’s training base and where he won a gold medal in the 1km time trial during Manchester’s 2002 Commonwealth Games, Sir Chris gave an emotional tribute to all of the people who have helped him achieve his incredible success:

“It’s your family, it’s your friends, it’s the people who have supported from the early years and they support you through the tough times when you’re not winning, it’s your team mates who inspire you to work harder but who you can have a laugh with at the same time. It’s the coaches, the mechanics, the physios, it’s the people who book your flights for you in the office. It’s realising you’re part of a big family. When you come to the end of your career, it’s sad because you’re stepping away from that but you know that you’ve made friends for life.”

A special programme paying tribute to Sir Chris’ career will be shown on Sky Sports 2 tonight at 7pm. It will also be available on demand.