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OLYMPIC champion Chris Hoy today finally celebrated being cycling’s newest world record holder.
The Scot was left shattered – physically and mentally - after missing out on Frenchman Arnaud Tournant's kilo world record twice in as many days in La Paz, Bolivia.
But the 31-year-old says that he has now consoled himself over that disappointment thanks to the incredible performance he put in on Sunday afternoon to take the flying 500m world record, beating the previous time by more than a second.
“I was completely floored after the second kilo run and to miss the world record by just five thousandths of a second,” said the multiple world champion.
“The first run took a lot out of me on Saturday and I just didn’t have that little bit for the second run. That’s the way it goes some times. I know what it’s like to win by a thousandth of a second, and this was the other side of the coin.
“But I was determined to come back with a world record and I put all the frustration – even anger – of those other two runs in to my effort in the 500m.
“And to be honest, I kind of shocked myself – even I wondered where that run came from!”
Hoy took on the half-kilo distance over the 333m Alto Orpavi Velodrome to shatter the previous world best of another French rider, Arnaud Duble, by over a second.
The Edinburgh cyclist stopped the clocks in 24.758s – compared to Duble’s mark of 25.850 set in 2001.
Hoy added; “Even after claiming the world record I was a bit flat after missing the kilo. I sent a text to Arnaud (Tournant) to say well done that he was still a world record holder.
“I’ve got the second and third best times in history, but only he and I know what it takes to get there.
“It puts in to perspective what he achieved, but with a bit of luck, I could have beaten him.
“But the whole team are coming back with a world record which might take a bit of beating, which is still great for me and my sponsors.”
Hoy says he has ridden his last kilo and believes the current record might stand for many years to come.
“I don’t see it being part of anyone’s focus in the near future because the event has been dropped from the Olympics.
“Add to that the condition of the velodrome out there, and the logistics and planning that’s needed to get you there, and there is a lot counting against anyone beating the record.
“I’ve ridden my last kilo – but there will always be a bit of me wondering if that record could still be bettered.”
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