{"id":544556,"date":"2026-04-22T11:54:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T11:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/544556\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T11:54:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T11:54:13","slug":"sarra-hoy-45-shares-her-beginners-cycle-training-plan-with-husband-sir-chris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/544556\/","title":{"rendered":"Sarra Hoy, 45, shares her beginner\u2019s cycle-training plan with husband Sir Chris"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cycling is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise \u2013 but getting back in the saddle when you haven\u2019t ridden for a while can be daunting, especially when your training partner is one of the most successful Olympic athletes in history. Lady Sarra Hoy, wife of six-time gold medal winner Sir Chris, posted on Instagram that she has started training for her husband\u2019s charity fundraising Tour de 4 <\/a>cycling event \u2013 and she feels like a \u2018total amateur\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2018Let the training for @tour_de4<\/a> commence!\u2019 she posted. \u2018I\u2019m still learning my way through this bike-riding stuff \u2013 not sure how to change a puncture yet. I am so lucky to be able to go out with friends and @chrishoy1<\/a> \u2013 it\u2019s my thrill to be able to demonstrate to him the workings of the mind of a total amateur and remind him what it is like to be a total novice on a bike. He\u2019s very patient! If you are thinking about the Tour de 4, and haven\u2019t taken the plunge yet \u2013 if I can do it, you can, too! Some places are still available to join us at @tour_de4<\/a>.\u2019 <\/p>\n

The Tour de 4, which raised more than \u00a33 million in 2025, is taking place on Sunday, 6 September this year. It was launched by Sir Chris following his own stage 4 cancer diagnosis and aims to raise funds for cancer charities and change perceptions of living with stage 4 cancer, featuring multiple, inclusive cycling routes.<\/p>\n

Cycling is an ideal exercise for anyone starting out \u2013 it builds muscles and is great for your joints, increasing flexibility and strengthening your bones. Research shows it\u2019s also a great way to destress and can even aid sleep. <\/p>\n

‘Cycling offers excellent cardiovascular training, even at its most gentle pace,’ says GH fitness expert Kim Hawley. ‘You\u2019re engaging your leg muscles, and because they\u2019re among the largest in the body, your heart has to work harder; add a few hills or a touch of speed, and suddenly you\u2019ve unlocked a low-impact fitness gem that\u2019s as effective as it is fun.<\/p>\n

‘If you haven\u2019t ridden in a while, start with your local large park. Many offer cycle hire, so you can try before you buy plus you have the added benefit of being in relatively safe car free surroundings so, all you have to worry about is potential saddle sore issues and the unmistakable rush of child like joy as you glide along, rediscovering something your body never really forgot.’<\/p>\n

But there are also some hidden challenges, as Lady Sarra found out during her training session. <\/p>\n

\u2018A lesson that I\u2019ve taken so none of you have to do it,\u2019 she shared. \u2018Ride as close as you can to my wheel,\u2019 [said Chris]. \u2018Okay,\u2019 I said, being brave. Literally one minute later \u2013 totally dry roads, not rainy at all \u2013 [we went] through a massive pile of cow shit behind his bike. Apparently, don\u2019t ride close to the person in front when it\u2019s very muddy. Lesson learned.\u2019<\/p>\n

And she even jokingly offered her unique \u2018amateur\u2019 insights to elite athletes. \u2018If any other elite athletes out there would like this one-to-one mindset coaching from me, just shout. I can show you insights from the mind of an amateur who has never won a medal (apart from one for Burns Poetry reading in 1992 but it probably doesn\u2019t count in this scenario\u2026).\u2019 We\u2019re excited to follow your journey @sarra.hoy <\/a>!<\/p>\n

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