5 THINGS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
Former Olympic track cyclist Sir CHRIS HOY, 40, lives near Manchester with his wife Sarra, 36, a lawyer, and their two-year-old son Callum
1 A BIKE
Even after a career as a professional cyclist my love for two wheels has never diminished. So whenever I have a bit of spare time I will grab one of my bikes and go for a ride.
Being in the saddle instantly relaxes me and provides the most amazing clarity and perspective.
The first time I got on a bicycle at the age of five I was instantly smitten but it wasn’t really obvious when I was younger that I would make a career out of cycling.
My dad used to take me BMX racing as a child, which I loved. I was always pretty sporty but was never what you would describe as an exceptional talent.
What gave me the edge, I think, was my upbringing. My parents and grandparents told me to always give my best and to put 100 per cent commitment and passion into anything I chose to do, which I
always did with my cycling.
2 COFFEE
I am something of a caffeine obsessive and probably know far more than I should about how to produce the perfect cup of coffee. When I was cycling professionally, alcohol was pretty much out of bounds for 10 months of the year while I was training.
As a result I started to spend a lot more time in cafes than in pubs and coffee became an integral part of my social life.
In fact I became so passionate about the drink I even did a couple of barista courses, which I really enjoyed.
In my opinion, the best coffee is made with fresh beans and a good coffee machine but the essential factor is a bean grinder.
Now that I have retired from cycling I still love coffee but am quickly becoming fanatical about red wine too.
3 VIDEO MESSAGING
Sometimes I hate the fact that we are all so reliant on our devices these days but they definitely have their benefits. I am often away with work and when I’m not at home I really miss my family. Being able to video-message Callum before he goes to bed is always such a pleasure at the end of a busy day.
4 ENDORPHINS
I am someone who simply has to exercise, not just to stay in shape but because it is something I really love to do.
I am addicted to the endorphins, the feel-good hormones it produces. Just half an hour every day, either out on the bike or in the gym, makes a huge difference to my sense of wellbeing. If I am busy and miss out on exercising for a couple of days I really do become very grouchy and lethargic.
5 RACING CARS
Since I gave up professional cycling I have started competing on four wheels as I have always loved racing driving.
In June last year I completed my first Le Mans 24-hour endurance race which was magical as it was a boyhood dream of mine to take part one day.
I managed to finish in 17th place out of 60 contestants, which as an amateur driver, I was very happy with.
Racing cars is not as physically taxing as cycling but it is mentally very demanding. And the speed, adrenaline and noise are all proving to be rather addictive.
Sir Chris Hoy will present his new range of books at Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival on February 17. For more information, visit southbankcentre. co.uk/imagine Interview by LUCY BENYON