He is already Britain’s most successful Olympian and now Sir Chris Hoy has declared an interest in becoming the country’s first cycling champion, because bringing a culture change would be as satisfying as winning gold medals.

Sir Chris said that he was “evangelical” in his belief that cycling could change lives. It would create an “immense sense of pride” if he was able to help to ensure that in 20 years’ time there were “bikes everywhere”, he said.

The retired racer, who won six Olympic golds including two in the London 2012 Games, has previously shied away from politics and was criticised in some quarters after commenting on the Scottish independence referendum earlier this year.

In an interview with The Times, however, Sir Chris