Multiple Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy is expected to announce his retirement from cycling tomorrow, in his home town of Edinburgh, but details have emerged of one of the projects that will be keeping him busy. In March, the Scot spent time in Taiwan, visiting the factory where his range of road and city HOY bikes is being produced in aluminium.
The track sprint king – with six Olympic gold medals in team sprint, 1km TT and keirin, not to mention 11 track world championship gold medals – said playing a part in the design of his own bikes had been rewarding. He has had a hands-on process in the bikes’ development, which has led to several alterations to the early sample frames.
The 37-year-old said: “There are so many aspects that need to mesh perfectly, and finding that balance has been very exciting and rewarding. It’s a childhood dream to have not just your name on the down tube but your own bike, and now this is becoming a reality.”
Hoy visited the factory, where he said he was very impressed with the precision of the production process and quality control testing. He also dusted off his track skills and went for a ride with staff in downtown Taichung for some derny racing with commuting scooters.
Hoy has been impressed with the factory’s quality control
The competitively priced bikes – to be stocked by Evans Cycles – are scheduled for release in late May. An entry level adult track bike and two 650c children’s models for road and track are expected in the autumn of this year. Hoy has reconfirmed that a carbon road model is still planned, but at a later date.
