Sir Chris Hoy will carry Britain’s flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on Friday, the four-time Olympic champion confirmed on Monday.
“I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to have been voted as the flag bearer for Team GB,” said the 36-year-old cyclist.
“To lead out your team at a home Olympics is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that that I can’t wait to experience in just a few days time.”
Hoy also carried the Union Jack at the closing ceremony in Beijing four years ago.
The Scot is one of Britain’s most successful Olympians, having won four gold medals, including three at Beijing in 2008.
Brian Cookson, President of British Cycling, told the BBC: “It’s absolutely fantastic news. Sir Chris is a brilliant athlete and a fantastic ambassador for the sport of cycling.
“Just when you think it can’t get any better it does – it is the cherry on the cake for British Cycling after Bradley Wiggins’ success in the Tour de France on Sunday.
“Hoy is reaching his potential just at the right time in the sport and deserves this pivotal role at London 2012.”
Meanwhile London 2012 supremo Sebastian Coe insisted it was not down to him to select the person who would light the torch at Friday’s ceremony, amidst reports he’d been pushing the claims of fellow double Olympic gold medallist Daley Thompson over those of multiple Games rowing champion Steve Redgrave.