Sir Chris Hoy confirms his retirement from cycling
CYCLING legend Sir Chris Hoy has confirmed his retirement from cycling during a media event in Edinburgh.
Hoy is Britain's most decorated Olympian, having won six Olympic gold medals and he also picked up 11 world titles too.
The 37-year-old was hoping to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, but leaves the sport on a high.
He said: "I am officially announcing my retirement. It was not a decision I took easily or lightly, but I know it's the right decision. Nothing would give me more pleasure than going to Glasgow, but I don't want to be there for the numbers.
"Being objective, I got every last drop out in London.
"Now it's time for younger riders to experience what it is like to compete in front of a home crowd.
"I have been in the sport for 19 years and witnessed how the sport has changed out of all recognition. It has gone from a minority sport to a major sport and to have been part of the journey is a massive honour."
Hoy will attend the Commonwealth Games as an ambassador.
He also said that it was hard to pick out a highlight from his glittering career.
He added: "It's tough to pick one special moment of my career - so I'm going to pick two. Athens - stepping onto the podium, hearing my name read out and then hearing 'Olympic champion' after it.
"To me that was what my career was all about. I thought nothing could compare to that but in London, to end my career with my sixth gold medal in the nature of the keirin, was a really special moment.
"But I could go on all day - fortunate I've got so many great memories and I've had so much fun. I still feel the same. I'm going to cycle for the rest of my life and encourage others to take up the sport."