Flag bearing duties 'shock' Sir Chris Hoy

Sir Chris Hoy has admitted that he was surprised to have been handed the Team GB flag bearing duties for this Friday's opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games.

The cyclist had been among nine British competitors that had been put up for consideration for the role.

"It's hard to put into words how much of an honour it is," he told Sky Sports News. "To be the person that carries the flag and leads the team out is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm absolutely delighted.

"It was a massive surprise. I knew that I was in the running but I was just shocked to be the one that was picked."

Hoy has won four Olympic gold medals.