Sir Chris told the Sunday Times that he had been diagnosed with primary cancer in his prostate, which had spread to his bones – meaning it was stage four.

The legendary athlete revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed, but he had not previously disclosed the type of cancer.

Following the interview’s publication, the star posted on Instagram on Sunday that he was in Copenhagen with the BBC Sport team covering the World Track Cycling Championships.

Sir Chris has been appearing on BBC Two all week co-presenting the championships.

“You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I’m feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me,” he said in the post.

There were many supportive comments underneath the post, including from fellow former Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish who called Sir Chris a “hero of a human being”.

Olympic athletics great Dame Kelly Holmes also commented “sending love to you Chris” and the British Cycling account left an emoji showing two hands making a heart symbol.

“You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process,” Sir Chris told the Sunday Times.

“You remind yourself, aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.”

Sir Chris told the newspaper he has known for a year that his cancer is terminal.

Tumours were discovered to his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and rib.