Sir Chris Hoy sees turn to the better for Katie Archibald: "We’re starting to see that spark coming back, the smile, the enjoyment of the racing"

Sir Chris Hoy, one of the major names behind the rise of UCI Track Champions League, believes Katie Archibald is on track for next summer’s Paris Olympics after seeing her storm to overall victory in the Track Champions League.

"It’s incredibly impressive,” Hoy told the PA news agency. "We’re starting to see that spark coming back, the smile, the enjoyment of the racing. Just life coming back into her after what was an incredibly difficult year. She wasn’t at her best at the world championships and I think this is a significant step forward from the worlds and it really does bode well for what is a massively important year for her and for the team."

"And they need her. The team really does rely on a few big-name individuals, not to carry the team but to inspire the team. When the big names are firing and on form it lifts everyone else, so she’s absolutely central to the British Cycling campaign and it’s looking good. I think she’s definitely getting better and getting to where she needs to be."

Finally, Hoy is pleased by the popularity this new event attained. "If it doesn’t work out it’s not the end of the world, you’ve not missed out on a world title or an Olympic medal, but having said that the overall Champions League jersey and trophy is a massive thing now, it’s being recognised."