Sir Chris Hoy to write books for children

The Flying Fergus series follows the fortunes of an ordinary boy with an extraordinary imagination. All he wants for his ninth birthday is “The Sullivan Swift”, a top-of-the range bike that will ensure his success in the local time trials.

But ever since his father disappeared years before, his mother and grandfather have struggled financially to raise him and can’t afford such an expensive present. Instead he inherits his father’s rusty old bike – but when he heads out to test it at the park with his best friend Daisy, he discovers there might be more to the bike than meets the eye…

The books have been co-written by award-winning author Joanna Nadin, with further titles expected to appear in July, October and January 2017, published by Hot Key Books.

Sir Chris is the most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time but since retiring from professional cycling he has been eager to work with the next generation of cyclists.

He said: “Working with Jo Nadin has been fantastic and my hope is that Flying Fergus excites and inspires children, opening their eyes to the freedom and adventures two wheels can offer with just a little hard work.”

There will also be a non-fiction book to encourage children to have fun cycling, keep safe, and record cycling adventures.

Rights for six books were acquired by Emma Matthewson, who edited the Harry Potter series at Bloomsbury.