Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy announces retirement

Britain's most successful Olympian, cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, has announced his retirement from active competition.

Sir Chris confirmed the move at a media conference in his home city of Edinburgh.

It means the cyclist will not compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

He leaves the sport on a high, after winning a sixth gold medal during the London 2012 Olympics.

Sir Chris is 37 and had previously left open the question of whether he would compete at Glasgow 2014.

There have been calls for Sir Chris to be given a prominent role in cycling, possibly leading the sport in Britain.

Former team mate Rob Hayles said: "I think he should go right to the top.

"There's obviously a lot more opportunities these days for sportspeople, especially for someone like Sir Chris.

"Coaching is obviously a role that he would certainly be able to do, but I don't know if he would want to do that."

British Olympic Association Chairman Lord Coe has praised Chris Hoy's approach to sport.

He said: "His respect for opponents, and commitment to clean competition, has been unwavering. And his dignity in victory has set an example that generations of Team GB athletes will strive to emulate.

"Chris is an icon and he has earned a revered place among our nation's greatest sporting heroes."

Sporting legend

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond added his congratulations.

"He is a true sporting legend of whom the whole of Scotland is justifiably proud and whose achievements are unparalleled," said Mr Salmond.

Tributes to Sir Chris included those from the operators of the Glasgow velodrome which bears his name.

Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham, said: "As our greatest ever Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy has helped lead a cycling revolution in Britain and it is entirely fitting that Scotland's only indoor velodrome proudly carries his name.

"The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will inspire the next generation of track cyclists to go for gold, leaving a lasting legacy for years to come."

Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014 David Grevemberg said: "We respect Sir Chris Hoy's decision to retire from international competition and pay tribute to his spectacular achievements at the highest levels of elite world sport over the past two decades.

"Sir Chris is not only Britain's greatest Olympian, he is an inspiration and a first-class Ambassador for Scotland and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games."