Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy is on a mission to redefine the perception of people living with stage four cancer. On Friday morning in Glasgow, the cyclist declared that 'there's plenty of life left in us,' challenging the stigma associated with advanced cancer diagnoses.
Sir Chris revealed in 2024 that his prostate cancer had spread to his bones, with doctors giving him between two and four years to live. Speaking to the Press Association, he said he was 'doing fine' and that his cancer is not preventing him from doing anything he loves at the moment.
'I'm doing fine, thanks,' Sir Chris said. 'The Tour de 4 is the main focus for me the next few months.' The event is a charity bike ride for people affected by cancer, taking place in Glasgow in September. It raised more than £3.1 million in its inaugural year in 2025, supporting five major UK cancer charities and aiming to challenge perceptions of those living with stage four cancer.
'It's trying to demonstrate, rather than just talking about it, that all these people who are in a similar situation to me – living with stage four cancer – that there's plenty of life left in us, and we're determined to make the most of it, and not have cancer define who you are,' Sir Chris explained.
He previously said the Tour de 4 has become a driving force following his terminal diagnosis. 'You don't have to be facing a stage four cancer diagnosis to have tough moments,' he noted. 'For me and for my family, the thing that we've tried to do is to not look too far ahead and to still have plans for the future and still have goals and aims and things to look forward to.'
Speaking about holding on to hope, Sir Chris emphasised appreciating the small things and making the most of the present. 'Don't forget to enjoy the moment and don't forget to appreciate the present, because it passes you by very easily. You're always on to the next thing and focused on what's next, and you can miss out on the nice stuff around you – and it's not necessarily the big things.'
He added: 'We have big targets and big events to look forward to, of course, but I think it's also appreciating the small things that helps you to stay grounded, and to make the most out of the present moment.'
Regarding the Tour de 4, Sir Chris confirmed that the main two rides for September are already sold out, but places remain for static bikes in the track centre and the family loop, a 1k loop inside the velodrome complex. He encouraged people to donate. 'It really is going to be a big challenge to try and beat the £3.1 million target that we achieved from last year. Every single pound will go towards improving people's lives, living with cancer, and for the future as well.'
