Sir Chris said it was "time for younger riders to experience what it is like to compete in front of a home crowd", ruling out an appearance at the Glasgow velodrome named after him at next year's Commonwealth Games, but signed up as a bid champion for Glasgow 2018, alongside London 2012 rowing gold medallist Katherine Grainger, silver medal winning swimmer Michael Jamieson and Jade Jones, winner of Britain's first ever Olympic gold medal in taekwondo last summer.

"As Britain's greatest ever Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy has inspired people across the country to be champions in their lives and his legacy will live on through his commitment to the Glasgow 2018 Youth Olympic Games," said Bush.

"We want to continue the UK's Olympic journey and inspire the next generation of sports stars to go for gold."

Sir Chris Hoy, pictured with his mother, received a knighthood for his services to cycling in 2009 and has become an icon of British sport

Sir Chris retired as Britain's most successful Olympian of all time with six Olympic gold medals and a silver to his name and has "exemplified the values that define an Olympic champion" throughout his career according to Sebastian Coe - an attitude which Bush hopes to channel in order to secure the Youth Olympic Games for Glasgow in 2018.

"Our Bid will empower and inspire young people and having the support of our greatest ever Olympian Sir Chris Hoy will ensure we reach out and inspire young people across the world," continued Bush.

"Time and time again Sir Chris has proved an inspirational figure when competing at the very highest level, not least at London 2012, showing just what can be achieved through sport.

"That inspiration is exactly what the world can expect from Glasgow in 2018."

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) are due select a host city for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games from the shortlist of Glasgow, Medellín and Buenos Aires in Lausanne on July 4.

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