Secrets of an Olympic body: The workout regime and diet of Sir Chris Hoy

Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy is nicknamed Golden Thighs because of his 27in legs and the Scot is hoping they’ll power him to yet another gold in London.

So how does he keep his body so toned?

At the peak of his training, Sir Chris consumes up to 6,000 calories a day, starting with a breakfast of cereal, banana and honey, a fruit smoothie, orange juice, a protein shake and a coffee.

He also drinks up to six litres of water a day.

He trains for 25 to 35 hours a week.

A typical day might include two hours in the gym, a one-hour recovery ride on the road, then three hours at the velodrome.

One of his gym exercises involves him pushing weights of 35st — two-and-a-half times his body weight — with his legs.

Insider tip: Nigel Mitchell, head of nutrition at British Cycling, says the perfect pre-cycle meal is porridge with milk to supply protein for the muscles and slow-release carbohydrates to fuel the brain and muscles.

Afterwards, have  tuna sandwiches, which contain protein and carbohydrate, to refuel tired muscles.