• London Olympics 2012

Hoy eyes big-money track series

Sir Chris Hoy wants track cycling to 'exploit the moment' © Getty Images

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Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has urged track cycling to exploit the success of London 2012 and create an international series to be held around the globe.

Hoy, who became Britain's most successful Olympian at his home Games, believes the sport should follow in the footsteps of sports like athletics and tennis and have big-money competitions in the vein of Diamond League meetings or grand slam tournaments.

"There's great scope for promoting track cycling better," Hoy told Eurosport. "The Olympics were a success for track cycling on a global scale, particularly in the UK because of our performance and how the public responded to the events.

"It showed that people want to watch it live, that there is an appetite for track cycling. Now is the time to exploit this moment. Track cycling should go further - there is definitely potential for a televised International Series to run alongside the World Cup events."

Hoy, 36, confirmed he has no intention of competing in his fifth Olympics in Rio and admits his body would struggle to cope with the demands of another four years of rigorous training.

"There are several reasons why I won't be there in Rio," Hoy said. "Firstly, you can't top London - victory in front of a home crowd is the perfect way to end your Olympic career.

"Then there is the physical question - all the training and injury eventually takes its toll on your body, and there is only so much you can take. Four more years of that, at this stage, would be very difficult.

"And finally there's the question of selection - no-one is in the team by rights, and as you can see it is getting harder and harder to earn your place. The competition is so tough and it's getting even harder."

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