Olympic cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy has opened up about his ongoing battle with terminal prostate cancer, revealing that he can no longer ride a bike as he once did. The 49-year-old sporting legend spoke candidly about the need to ‘reset’ his expectations following his devastating diagnosis.
Chris shared the heartbreaking news in October that doctors had given him just two years to live, confirming his cancer was terminal. Despite facing such a grim prognosis, Chris has shown remarkable positivity.
However, he admitted coming to terms with the fact that his body can no longer perform at its previous peak level has been challenging.
This stark reality hit home during a bike ride in Greece last May, just two months after undergoing chemotherapy, reports Birmingham Live. Speaking to The Times, Chris recalled: “You want to be able to enjoy it, and not just suffer and struggle.
“But it’s very hilly there and we rode for half an hour uphill from the start and it was obvious to myself that my physical level wasn’t where it was before. I wasn’t able to ride and talk going up the hill, and I found it difficult.”
This experience served as a wake-up call for Chris, prompting him to reassess his expectations and realise that he needed to “reset” his approach. However, despite these challenges, Hoy’s competitive spirit remains undimmed.
He hasn’t slowed down since his diagnosis; he was recently seen pedalling away in a Zwift event in Majorca, where he competed alongside Mark Cavendish and Russell Downing, among other ex-professionals.
Despite candidly admitting that he had his “a*** kicked” at the virtual race, Sir Chris’s resolve to keep moving is a striking display of his indomitable character.
He has maintained a high profile, attending public events to shine a light on the challenges he faces with his health condition.
In March, Chris revealed the message he’ll pass onto his children – to pursue their passions in order to enjoy life.
In an interview conducted the same year his daughter was born, he spoke about his life after cycling and the important lesson he plans to impart to his children, reflecting the strong work ethic he demonstrated throughout his illustrious career.
“The biggest thing I’ve learnt and will be passing on to my children will be: do what you’re passionate about and you enjoy, don’t use that as a cop out but as long as you give it your best you will enjoy it and get the most out of life,” he said. “That’s what I’ve done.”
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