Sir Chris Hoy first across the line again... in Glasgow's new Velodrome that bears his name

It may not have been the fastest lap Sir Chris Hoy has put in during his career, but it will be one that lives on in his memory as the six-time Olympic champion today became the first cyclist to ride round the track of the new velodrome in Glasgow that bears his name.

The venue, built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, is also due to host a round of the UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics this November, with tickets already sold out. Hoy himself, who has taken a break from competition after winning keirin and team sprint gold in London, will be among the spectators.

"It was a very special feeling to ride the track for the first time today,” said Hoy afterwards, quoted on BBC News. “To have this velodrome named after me is a huge honour and something that I am very proud of.

"I have been fortunate to ride in the world's best velodromes and I can tell that this venue is going to be very special,” added Hoy, who was involved in the design process, which was led by the German architect, Ralf Schuermann.

"It has a fantastic design and feels like it's going to be very fast. This velodrome will make such a difference to cycling in Scotland. It will be the new home of cycling in this country and will hopefully help to inspire the next generation of cyclists."

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg added: "Sir Chris Hoy is a marvellous ambassador for sport and for Glasgow 2014.

"It is an honour to see him become the first person to cycle in this wonderful velodrome today, which is aptly named after him as Britain's greatest Olympian.

"Track cycling provided some of the great and memorable dramas of London 2012 and there's no doubt that this velodrome will create a fantastic setting for records to be broken and medals to be won as part of an outstanding Commonwealth Games."

Last week, Glasgow City Council revealed that the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the nearby National Indoor Sports Arena would jointly be known as the Emirates Arena after signing a £5 million naming rights deal with the Dubai-based airline. The corporate branding will not apply during the Commonwealth Games.