Bike shop boss given honour of looking after Sir Chris Hoy
FORMER international cyclist Roddy Riddle is relishing the prospect of managing Sir Chris Hoy – arguably Britain’s greatest Olympian – at a charity event this weekend.
Mr Riddle, who has competed at the Commonwealth Games, will take control of the winner of six Olympic gold medals as he competes for Team Braveheart in the Thunder Drome exhibition, held during the Scottish Track Championships on Saturday.
The money-spinner — for the Braveheart Cycling Fund, a charity of which Sir Chris is a patron and supports young Scottish cyclists — will take place at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow.
Mr Riddle, who runs Bikes of Inverness in Grant Street, Merkinch, with his brother Kenny, said: "I had to slap myself in the face after being invited to do it to make sure it was for real.
"I’m really delighted to be part of it, even though it is a little overwhelming.
"I can’t wait to be there because although I have had a few texts and phone calls, it has been a while since I saw Chris in person."
The three-member team also includes Olympic gold medallist Jason Queally and John Paul.
Mr Riddle admits his responsibilities will be focused on making sure the competitors stick to a schedule of races.
He is taking along Inverness’s under-23 British cross country mountain biking champion Kenta Gallagher to assist.
"It will help him pick up tips and advice," Mr Riddle said.
"Although Chris is familiar with Kenta through what he has done, I still think Kenta might be awe at being involved because there will be a sell-out crowd of 4500 people there and we will all get a buzz off it."
There may also be some sibling rivalry as Kenny is the manager of Team Scotland — consisting of Callum Skinner, Craig Maclean and Pete Mitchell.
Further opposition will be provided by Team England (Kian Emadi, David Daniell and Philip Hindes) and Team Europe (Robert Forstemann, Damien Zielinski and Pavel Kelemen).
