Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy to jet in for Tour Down Under in Adelaide in January

THE most successful track cyclist in Olympic history, Sir Chris Hoy, is coming to Adelaide in January as a guest of the Santos Tour Down Under.

Sir Chris Hoy will be a guest of Adelaide's Tour Down Under. Picture: Michael Klein

THE most successful track cyclist in Olympic history, Sir Chris Hoy, is coming to Adelaide in January as a guest of the Santos Tour Down Under.

News Limited can reveal the 11-time world champion and six-time Olympic gold medallist will be honoured at the TDU legend's night dinner on Saturday, January 25 and an official announcement will be made tomorrow.

Hoy, 37, retired in April after an international cycling career spanning more than 20 years.

The Scottish superstar won his first Olympic gold medal in the 1km time trial at the 2004 Athens Olympics, made it an historic hat-trick of gold medals in the sprint, team sprint and keirin in Beijing in 2008, then won gold in the team sprint and keirin at his home Games in London last year.

Hoy said he was "excited" to be visiting the TDU, which runs from January 19-26 and is the first event on the 2014 WorldTour calendar.

"Like millions of other people, I've enjoyed it on television but attending will be a real thrill," he said.

"Cycling has grown from a minority sport into one loved the world over. Events such as the Santos Tour Down Under have helped expand people's understanding and support for cycling and it's great to have the chance to see the race for myself."

Hoy will be a guest speaker at the legend's night dinner which in the past has honoured cycling greats including Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx and Anna Meares.

SA Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said it would be "an honour" to welcome Hoy to Adelaide for the 16th edition of the TDU.