Right time for British Cycling to have a shake-up – Hoy

Sir Chris Hoy believes that there's no reason why the future of British Cycling won’t be bright – but adds that it’s the right time for the organisation to have a shake-up.

British Cycling is currently awaiting the publication of two reports: an independent review into allegations of sexism and bullying, and UK Anti-Doping’s investigation into the delivery of a medical package to Sir Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky in 2011.

Hoy told Reuters that transparency was important but expressed a belief that the current popularity of cycling would ultimately outweigh recent negative attention.

"I think it is important that everything, no matter what it is, is brought out in the open and is addressed openly so there is complete transparency and people can see the facts.

"It is frustrating and it's tough when you see the thing that you love – I wouldn't say tarnished – but certainly having its reputation challenged. I am sure in the long run cycling will continue to grow and flourish – not just in the UK but all around the world."

British Cycling’s Olympic funding has been cut by 14 per cent ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, and funding for grassroots cycling has also been reduced – albeit with an expectation that there will be additional investment later in the year.

Hoy, though, is unfazed. "We've got the talent coming through,” he said. “Regardless of the situations that have been arising in the last year, I think it's the right time for British cycling to have a shake-up anyway."

The six-time Olympic gold medallist also said he would have no qualms about encouraging his two-year-old son to take up cycling competitively if he eventually wanted to.

"I still think it is a wonderful sport. There is so much good that it can do. I have had an amazing life travelling the world and competing, doing what I love."