It may have been a tongue in cheek comment by Chris Hoy, but on a serious note, it was a harmful comment to make by someone who has benefitted the sport, but who has himself greatly benefitted from the sport and ought to think carefully about what he says given his status as a sporting hero and someone who can influence views and debates.
We currently have a major obesity crisis in this country which is placing huge demands on the NHS (limiting the available resources for non-self inflicted health conditions) and which is damaging the health and lives of the sufferers and their families.
I have seen a few very obese people on bikes wearing lycra and close fitting jerseys, and my initial thoughts were similar to Hoy’s statement. However, I immediately then changed my mind, and mentally congratulated those people for having the courage and the determination to get out and ride a bike, since it does take a lot of courage when you have people like Hoy making such remarks and knowing that others who don’t say it may well be thinking it, and since by getting out and riding they are taking steps to towards a healthier lifestyle. We need to encourage such people every step of the way, not make sniggering remarks which may embarrass them and discourage them from continuing to ride or take other exercise.