Six-time Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy shares 'shock' cancer diagnosis

The former Team GB cyclist is currently undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy

Olympic gold medal winner Sir Chris Hoy has announced he has been diagnosed with cancer.

The former Team GB cyclist is currently undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, he said in an Instagram post.

The 47-year-old said he had hoped to keep his diagnosis private due to his "young family" but had shared the health update as his "hand had been forced".

In an Instagram post, Sir Chris said: “I have a bit of news. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a huge shock, having had no symptoms up to that point.

“I’m currently receiving treatment including chemotherapy, which thankfully is going really well.

"I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals for their amazing help and care."

The Scot added: "I'm optimistic, positive and surrounded by love for which I'm truly grateful. As you might imagine, the last few months have been incredibly difficult.

"However I currently feel fine - I am continuing to work, ride my bike and live my life as normal."

Edinburgh-born, Sir Chris took up cycling at the age of 14 and won his first Olympic medal, a team sprint silver, at Sydney in 2000.

He followed that up by winning gold in the 1 km track time trial at Athens in 2004. He added to his gold medal haul by winning three more at Beijing four years later and two at London 2012.

Sir Chris also won 11 world titles and was knighted in the 2008 New Year Honours List after his success at the Beijing Olympics.

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