Chris Hoy apologises after saying he 'feels sorry for Mamils' and compares them to 'overweight football fans'
'Whatever your age and build, if you're on a bike you have my respect.
Chris Hoy has apologised for an article in which he wrote that he "feels sorry for Mamils" and that riders wearing professional team kit "look as ridiculous as an overweight football fan wearing the shirt of his favourite club for a pub five-a-side game".
In the article, published in men's fashion magazine GQ, the six-time Olympic gold medallist gave his tips on how to look good on a bike.
>>> Tips from the pros: How to look like a pro rider
That included saying that he felt sorry for Mamils as people sniggered at them as they walked into cafes, and that "professional cycling gear generally looks awful on pretty much anyone heavier than eight stone."
However Hoy has now apologised for the article, writing on Twitter that the article wasn't written tongue-in-cheek and that he did not intend to cause offence.
To be fair to Hoy, he does end the article with some pretty useful "rules of the road", including not wearing underwear under shorts, and never wearing "terribly unflattering" white shorts.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
A kevlar wheel, an unusual aero bike, solid helmet straps, a bike made from recycled plastic bike, and more - 8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
By Daniel Palma Published
-
Cycling training plans: 10 week plans for beginners, intermediates and racers
Get into cycling, get fitter, or ride faster with our cycling training plans
By Anna Marie Abram Published
-
Sir Chris Hoy undergoing treatment for cancer
Six-time Olympic champion says he initially hoped to keep news private but his 'hand had been forced'
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘I did 2364 watts’ - Wattbike world record holder challenges anyone to beat his 200m benchmark
James Moncrieff stole Sir Chris Hoy's record last year, now he'd like someone to take it off him
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Chris Hoy Q&A: 'I keep my Olympic medals in a sock'
Team GB legend tells Cycling Weekly about his life in the sport
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Chris Hoy and Ed Clancy top the bill at National Cycling Show this weekend
The two-day event will be held in Birmingham on 17-18 June
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
‘British Cycling has seriously let down its membership’ - Green Party slams British Cycling's Shell deal
Green Party spokesperson says governing body has also 'let down the British public'
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘Drivers and cyclists need to be less tribal, we are just people trying to get around,’ says Sir Chris Hoy
Sir Chris Hoy says drivers and cyclists need to be less tribal, and accept that “we’re just people trying to get around.”
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
Sir Chris Hoy calls for end to ‘us and them’ mentality between cyclists and drivers
Sir Chris Hoy said drivers and cyclists need to put themselves in each other’s shoes to improve road safety.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
Chris Hoy: 'It's the right time for British cycling to have a shake-up'
Olympic track sprint gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy says that British cycling has been 'challenged' but not tarnished by recent revelations
By Nigel Wynn Published