Cycling's popularity all down to team effort, claims Hoy

Published on Monday 14 April 2008 23:54

CHRIS Hoy is fast becoming one of Scotland's most recognisable sporting stars, but he credits his British cycling colleagues as being the reason for this increase in profile.

Although the 32-year old won gold at the sprint and keirin events in the World Championships at Manchester last month, the British team added another seven titles in a performance described as one of the best seen in British sport. "I think in terms of an event it has almost been as significant as an Olympic Games in terms of raising profile of the sport," he said. "During the Olympics there are always other stories going on and other sports happening.But cycling got its chance to have the limelight (in Manchester] and the team doing so well was fantastic.

"People are beginning to know a little more about cycling," he said. "You chat to people in the street and they what the keirin is, and they know what the madison is. They know Bradley Wiggins, Vicky Pendleton and Shanaze Reade. We are not doing it for fame, but it's great the names are starting to get known now."

Hoy himself is regarded as one of Britain's greatest Olympians but has only recently experienced what it is to be stopped in the street on a regular basis. "It's never intrusive, just now and again people will shake your hand and wish you all the best."

Hoy will soon depart for Spain to continue his preparations for Beijing but is also looking further ahead – as far as Glasgow in 2014. "I will be 36 by the time London comes around in 2012. That will still be doable. In our team alone we have Jamie Staff, Craig McLean and Jason Quealy who are between 35 and 38. If you enjoy your sport, stay injury free and have motivation, you can keep going.

"I am definitely going to London regardless of how it goes in Beijing, and then potentially Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games. That's a big target."