Hoy 'happy and satisfied' to retire

Britain's most successful Olympian Sir Chris Hoy has announced his retirement from competitive cycling, insisting that it is a time for celebration, not sadness.

Six-time gold medal winner Hoy, 37, said he is "happy and satisfied" with his decision to draw his sporting career to a close after giving his all at the London games last July. The announcement in the champion's home city of Edinburgh means he will not compete in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow at the velodrome named in his honour.

Hoy said: "To try and go on for another year would have been too much and one year too far for me. I didn't want to turn up to wave to the crowd and wear the tracksuit. I wanted to be there to win a medal for Scotland. Because I don't feel I can do that, I would rather step aside and let somebody else take my place."

"It was not a decision I took easily or lightly but I know it's the right time. I thought about it very hard. The reason for that is that I thought I've got every last ounce of energy out of myself. I got to London and I don't think people realise how much that took out of me. I'm happy, I'm satisfied. There is no lingering doubt. I've done everything I can."

Sir Chris is Britain's most decorated Olympian - his two gold medals at London 2012 saw him surpass rower Sir Steve Redgrave's record of five. As well as six Olympic titles, Hoy's 13-year career earned him 11 world titles and two Commonwealth crowns.

Prime Minister David Cameron said in a message on Twitter: "Sir Chris Hoy's retirement marks the end of a remarkable career. His contribution to British sport and six Olympic golds will continue to inspire."

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "He is a true sporting legend, of whom the whole of Scotland is justifiably proud and whose achievements are unparalleled.

"The impact he has had on the sport of cycling is immense. Sir Chris is a humble man who offers our young people the best possible example of what can be achieved when talent is allied to dedication, hard work and the utmost professional integrity."

Sir Chris's proud wife Sarra paid tribute to her partner on Twitter, writing: "I am in awe of Chris's achievements. His determination inspires me every day to work harder, push further. Thank you all for supporting him."

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: "We look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with him as, together, we share the excitement and potential Glasgow and Scotland's Commonwealth Games hold for the next generation of athletes aspiring for gold."