Track Worlds: Sir Chris Hoy wins Men's Keirin

Image 1 of 13

Sir Chris Hoy ensured that he walked away from the 2012 Track World Championships with his reputation intact after putting a disappointing few days behind him by winning the final of the men's keirin on the final day in Melbourne.

He produced a last-gasp move of astonishing audacity to sweep from fourth to first between the final bend and the finish line, getting up in the last five metres to pip Germany's Maximillian Levy, who looked sure to win as the final lap progressed. New Zealand's Simon Van Velthooven finished third but was subsequently disqualified for a rule infraction, meaning Great Britain's Jason Kenny was promoted to third place.

Hoy was part of the Great Britain team which were disqualified from the bronze medal race of the men's team sprint on Wednesday, and on Saturday he was defeated by his teammate Kenny in the semi-final of the individual sprint. Despite gaining compensation by winning the bronze medal race, his defeat in that race represented a dent to his reputation and a probable end to his hopes of gaining the sole Team GB slot in that event at the London 2012 Olympics, where he would be the defending champion.

Yet the veteran Hoy rolled back the years today to produce a final burst that will live long in the memory of anyone who witnessed it and give him a boost as he faces a challenging few weeks ahead of the Olympic Games. The gold here was the 25th medal won by Hoy in the Track World Championships.

"I'd given up - not physically, but I thought the chance of winning had gone by the time I hit the back straight with half a lap to go," Hoy told BBC Sport.

"Normally I'd go around the outside and put my foot down but I'd lost momentum. It was one last chance - I've never gone up the inside before in my life, it's a real last-chance saloon - I couldn't believe the door opened and I managed to get through. In some ways I'm very lucky, but very grateful to have won.

"World titles are all special, every single one you remember, but this is particularly special because it's the last meaningful race I'll have before the Olympic Games. It's a great confidence boost and hopefully I'm showing my rivals I can win from any position."

Results