London 2012 star Sir Chris Hoy swaps his bike for an RAF Typhoon

Sir Chris Hoy swapped his bike for a Royal Air Force Typhoon today. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy swapped his bike for a Royal Air Force Typhoon as he took to the skies above Scotland.

The cyclist boarded the aircraft - which can fly at twice the speed of sound - during a visit to RAF Leuchars in Fife.

Sir Chris joined 6 Squadron for the 60-minute flight during a routine training exercise which saw him fly at around 30,000ft.

The Olympian waves just before take off. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Sir Chris said:

The RAF Typhoon takes off at RAF Leuchars. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The Typhoon is the RAF's multi-role combat aircraft and several jets were based at RAF Northolt in west London to provide air security throughout the Olympic Games.

Sir Chris Hoy returning to base after flying a Typhoon FGR4 jet. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Wing Commander Roddy Dennis flew the aircraft with Sir Chris as a passenger up to Orkney and then back over the Highlands. The Olympian then took over the controls as the Typhoon travelled just off the coast of St Andrews.

Sir Chris kisses his wife Sarra after returning to base. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Wing Cdr Dennis said: