Three years ago, Hoy swept the board at the Beijing Olympics, leading Great Britain to team sprint gold before adding individual sprint and keirin gold to boot.

But ever since he has failed to reach such dizzy heights and at the recent World Championships in March, Hoy could only manage a silver and two bronze medals – prompting suggestions Hoycules' powers are diminishing.

His cause is not helped by cycling's world governing body's decision to limit each nation to one rider per event, nor by the continued progression of compatriot and Olympic silver medallist Jason Kenny.

But Hoy said: "As long as I can commit myself to my cycling and leave no stone unturned I am confident and it's easier to do it in the last year leading up to an Olympic Games because it's such an imminent target.

"Jason has obviously shown this year that he is consistently in good form and beaten me at the two major championships," he added. "But really I don't see him as any more of a rival as anyone else."

lBank of Scotland National School Sport Week, in partnership with sportscotland, uses London 2012 to inspire children to achieve a personal best in Olympic and Paralympic sports. To help your local school carry the Olympic Flame in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, or to win tickets, visit: www.bankofscotland.co.uk/nationalschoolsportweek