Olympic hero Hoy to get the freedom of the city of Manchester

OLYMPIC triple gold medal- winning cycling hero Chris Hoy has been give the freedom of Manchester – the city where he trained before winning three gold medals at the Beijing Games.

He will receive the honour, along with the rest of Great Britain's Olympic cycling team.

A Manchester City Council spokeswoman said: "We can today confirm that the Great Britain Olympic cycling team will be honoured with the freedom of the city. This will be at a civic reception in the town hall.

"Further details have still to be decided."

The spokeswoman added: "The team will be honoured for their achievements in Beijing, and what they have done for cycling as a sport in this country."

The Olympic cycling team have their base at the National Cycling Centre at Manchester Velodrome.

Hoy said the recognition was a "huge honour". He added: "It is incredible that the cycling team are being recognised in this way.

"We have been flying the flag for Manchester for a while. It is the centre for national cycling and it is fantastic we are being honoured in such a nice way."