Sir Chris Hoy has revealed his excitement at being a Commonwealth Games spectator for the first time in 30 years.
The six gold medal-winning Olympic champion can’t wait to take the stands and roar the Home Nations to victory.
In an exclusive interview with SSE's customer lifestyle site 'More For You', the SSE ambassador said Glasgow 2014 is a “massive opportunity” to inspire a new generation to become UK sports stars of the future.
He said: “It will be exciting to be a spectator. For 30 years I have always competed, so this time I will be able to soak up the atmosphere.
“It’s a chance to enjoy the games and being at home it’s a unique experience to be on the other side of the fence.”
Sir Chris leads a team of SSE Ambassadors as part of its proud partnership with Glasgow 2014. Commonwealth Games medal hopefuls Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Becky James, Eilidh Child and Michael Conlan are also part of the Home Nations team competing at the Games.
Sir Chris has predicted the crowds in Glasgow will give the Home Nations athletes an added boost if they can channel the support.
He said: “The chance to compete in front of a home crowd is huge for both Scotland and the UK. It’s an incredible feeling when you step out and hear the crowd roar.
“No doubt the home advantage helps the athletes, but it can be a double-edged sword.
“It can create added pressure and added focus on the athlete but you have to remain focused on the task at hand.”
Sir Chris has a real affinity with the Commonwealth Games as it’s played such a vital role in his career.
It was watching fellow Scot Eddie Alexander win bronze in the sprint, just a few miles away from his home during the 1986 Commonwealth Games that inspired him to take to the velodrome.
He said: “I remember watching Eddie Alexander on the TV at home and that was the first time I had ever seen a velodrome.
“The sprint is very much a cat and mouse game and I remember thinking, ‘Why doesn’t he just overtake him?
“I was already involved in cycling with my BMXing, but I was fascinated.”
“Then winning gold in Manchester gave me the belief that I could actually do this. It was my first individual win and was very important for me.
“I saw Scots had travelled down to support me so I felt right at home.”
It’s a massive opportunity to reach out to a whole generation of kids inspire them for the future.”