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Sir Chris Hoy issues fresh update as he opens up on 'terrifying' cancer 'death sentence'

Sir Chris Hoy announced back in October that he has between just two and four years to live as a result of being diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer - something he has described as a 'death sentence'

[Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy speaks to members of the media]

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Sir Chris Hoy has spoken about his terminal cancer diagnosis(Image: 2013 Getty Images)

Sir Chris Hoy is continuing to stay positive despite admitting his cancer diagnosis felt like receiving a "death sentence." Hoy announced in February 2024 that he was receiving treatment for prostate cancer.

The Scottish cycling legend, who won six Olympic gold medals during the course of his career, was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer back in 2023 when he visited a doctor with shoulder pain. A routine scan quickly turned devastating for the 49-year-old, when doctors discovered a tumour.

Hoy then confirmed in October that the primary cancer had spread to his bones and that he had been told by doctors that he has just two to four years to live. Hoy has now given a fresh update on his condition amid racing at the Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational alongside Chris Harris. Speaking to TNT Sport about his reason for racing at Le Mans, Hoy said: "I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost two years ago now, and it shocked me, it rocked my world.

"It changed everything in one sentence, youre told thats not curable, but its treatable. So suddenly, you have this death sentence, and it's terrifying, but Im here to show that life goes on for many people in that situation," Hoy said, continuing to put a brave face on things.

Hoy went public with his cancer diagnosis when he told the Sunday Times in October: "As unnatural as it feels, this is nature.

"You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process. You remind yourself, aren't I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible."

He added: "Hand on heart, Im pretty positive most of the time and I have genuine happiness. This is bigger than the Olympics. Its bigger than anything. This is about appreciating life and finding joy."

Hoy was at Le Mans as part of the Academy Motorsport team for the race which took place on Friday, he and Harris managed to register a respectable 20th-place finish with a total time of 37:34.746 in the Mustang Dark Horse R. Their best respective lap time came during lap five of eight, crossing the line in 4:30.864.

[Sir Chris Hoy celebrating winning the Gold Medal in the Men's Keirin]

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Chris Hoy won six Olympic gold medals(Image: PA)

It's not the only time that Hoy has graced the famed Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, however, having famously taken part in the 2016 Le Mans Proper in an Algarve Pro Racing-entered LMP2. During that event, Hoy finished 17th overall in a field of 60 drivers, as well as 12th in the LMP2 class.

Speaking about the race, he added: "Its always been the endurance event. If you get the chance as an amateur driver, this is the cherry on top of the icing on top of the cake, this is the big one.

"I still pinch myself that I got to do it, when you watch on TV or come to watch it live, I still cant quite believe I was out there, elbows out with the big boys. Its different to anywhere else Ive been to.

"Not many people ever get to race on this track or drive on this track. It was an incredible experience, unlike anything else I've ever done in any sport, let alone in motorsport."

[Sir Chris Hoy poses during a press conference]

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Sir Chris Hoy raced in the 2016 Le Mans Proper(Image: 2016 Getty Images)

It comes as Hoy is set to take part in the Tour de 4 come September, a mass participation charity bike ride which he has organised with hopes of raising 1million for UK-based cancer charities while challenging public perception of stage four cancer.

Speaking about the event, he said: "The bike ride is to try and get as many people together as possible, not just people suffering with cancer but anybody, to show we can keep on living, make the most of every day and live in the present, because thats all any of us have."

Kicking off and finishing at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow come September 7, 2025, the Tour de 4 offers participants four different rides to choose from.

From a 56-mile Red Ride for seasoned challengers, to a Yellow Ride which aims to give those who have been affected by cancer the opportunity to cycle on static bikes in the centre of the iconic venue for between one and 20 minutes.

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