Sir Chris Hoy will not compete in the individual sprint event at the London 2012 Olympics, with Jason Kenny selected ahead of the current Gold medal defender.

The pair have been neck and neck for a place in the event, and while Hoy shone at the World Championships in April, it was Kenny who impressed selectors with his form in the Olympic test event at the Velodrome in February.

The duo have remained close friends throughout their training, and Hoy said that while he was disappointed to be missing out on a place in the event, he was pleased for Kenny to be included.

"Whilst I'm obviously disappointed not to be defending all three of my 2008 Olympic titles in London, Jason thoroughly deserves this opportunity and has a great chance of success in the sprint," he said.

Sir Chris Hoy
Sir Chris Hoy missed out on selection for the Sprint, but is still a big medal chance in his other events.

"I'm now focused entirely on the Keirin and Team Sprint and my goals for these two events haven't changed."

British cycling performance director Dave Brailsford said that while the selection decision needed to be left late, Hoy will now be able to concentrate on his other events and the team will have a better chance of taking out medals in all three.

"We have now finalised our selection for the track events and in particular we have made the decision over who will ride the sprint," he said.

"Both Chris and Jason are on great form and that made it a difficult choice, but we have decided to select Jason to contest the sprint and Chris will concentrate on the keirin. We believe this gives us the strongest team possible going into the Games."

Hoy will still take part in the keirin, as well as the team sprint with Kenny and Olympic debutant Philip Hindes.

Gold London