Chris Hoy turns author with kids' books series

Britain's most successful Olympian, Chris Hoy is to add another activity to his busy post-racing career, as an author of children's book.

Hoy has been a passionate cycling advocate since stepping off his track bike after the 2012 Olympics, has dabbled in racing cars, and started his own lines of bikes and clothing with Evans and Vulpine. Now the speedy Scot is to co-author a series of books about a young cyclist.

The Flying Fergus books will be aimed at 5-8 year-olds and the first two will be available in March 2016, with further titles in July, October and January 2017.

The October book will be accompanied by a non-fiction book to encourage children to have fun cycling, keep safe, and record their cycling adventures

The series will focus on Fergus; an ordinary boy with an extraordinary imagination. All Fergus wants for his ninth birthday is “The Sullivan Swift”, a top of the range bike that will ensure his success in the local time trials.

But ever since his dad disappeared, years before, his mum and granddad have struggled financially to raise him and can’t afford such an expensive present.

Instead he inherits his dad’s old rusty bike, but when he heads out to test it at the park with his best friend Daisy, he discovers there might be more to the bike than meets the eye.

The books will be co-written award-winning children's and teen writer Joanna Nadin, who is best known for the Rachel Riley series of novels, based on her own childhood.

Chris Hoy said: “Working with Jo Nadin has been fantastic and my hope is that Flying Fergus excites and inspires children, opening their eyes to the freedom and adventures two wheels can offer with just a little hard work.”

Since retiring from professional cycling, Sir Chris has been eager to devote his time and experience to working with the next generation of cyclists.

Publisher Hot Key Books says that with this series of books, Hoy hopes to continue to inspire the next generation of cyclists with stories about the taste of freedom that comes with owning your first bike and discovering the adventures that lie ahead.