Hundreds of cycling fans got to realise their dream of riding with Britain’s most decorated Olympic hero in Kent this afternoon.

Riders from across the county and other beyond descended on the Cyclopark in Gravesend to join the 11-time world champion and six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy on a ride around the track.

He was in Kent to test his new brand of Hoy bike, due to be launched later this year.

Speaking exclusively to KentOnline, Sir Chris said he was thrilled with what the park had to offer and the number of fans who had joined him on the hour-long ride of the road track.

“It was fantastic! I’m so overwhelmed at how many people turned up, it’s a great facility and I had a really amazing afternoon”

The event also attracted children of all ages - with a number of schools from the area allowing their students to join the ride alongside teachers.

Encouraged by the number of youngsters who turned up to the event, he was was confident the park would be able to help produce the next generation of gold medallists.

He said: “Absolutely, the facility offers all kinds of cycling, no traffic, its brilliant!”