Chris Hoy may be an internationally recognised sports star since his triple Olympic success in Beijing.

But gold medal winning team-mate Jason Kenny remains just a face in the crowd.

However, that is just how the 21-year-old Farnworth cyclist wants it to stay.

There is even the first showing of a beard to add to his anonymity.

“Being in a team with Chris does buffer it a little bit for myself and some of the others,” said Kenny.

“I don’t think I’ve been recognised any more since the Olympics.

“It’s quite good in that respect. I can just concentrate on training.

“Everything is back to normal. I still live in the same apartments with the Academy riders.”

But Kenny, pictured, was back in the public spotlight on Saturday for the second of four exhibition Revolution meetings at Manchester’s National Cycling Centre.

And while there aren’t any medals to be won, it is a chance for Britain’s two-wheel stars to impress the selectors. Despite his Olympic success in the team sprint, Kenny knows he cannot rest on his laurels.

“I’m now back training full on for the world championships in Poland next March,” he explained after receiving an early Christmas present from Team GB sponsors, Panasonic.

“They are the second biggest event to the Olympics.

“And while I enjoyed a lot of success at the junior worlds, I’ve never been on the podium in the seniors, so it’s a big goal for me over the next four years.”

Kenny insists motivation is not a problem despite reaching the cycling pinnacle at such an early age.

He added: “There’s plenty I want to do and Beijing will, hopefully, be just a stepping stone on the road to London 2012. That’s the ultimate goal.

“For now my main aim is to qualify for the worlds. It’s so competitive in the British team just to get there. There’s nothing between us all at this level. It’s just a case of getting it right for when it matters.”

Mancunian Matt Crampton, who narrowly missed Olympic selection, is one of Kenny’s rivals.

“Matt is probably going the best of all of us but we will find out at the weekend,” he said.

“I did the World Cup in Manchester and the last Revolution.

“Everyone has done a bit more training and hopefully it will be a bit more competitive this weekend.

“It’s been hard to string weeks together because of other commitments since getting back from Beijing.

“But now everything is geared to the World Championships.”

Kenny received a 32ins Panasonic Viera TV plus a Blu-ray player.

“I don’t watch a lot of TV but I might do now,” he laughed.

“I haven’t got a copy of my Olympic race but I think my mum and dad have.

“I’m sure we will be watching it at Christmas.”