FLYING SCOT'S SARRA JETS OFF EARLY; OLYMPIC STARS GET READY TO PARTY.

CYCLIST Chris Hoy's girlfriend will miss today's closing ceremony after she flew home alone.

Sarra Kemp will watch the finale on TV at her Edinburgh flat as she has to return to work.

Friends say while Sarra, 28, is utterly devoted to the cyclist, she is just as committed to her career as a lawyer as he is to winning.

Together the high-flying couple were the darlings of the Olympics.

Their affection for each other was clear when Chris hugged and kissed Sarra in the Olympic arena following his third medal win.

A friend said: "Chris adores Sarra and she is totally devoted to him.

"You would have to be pretty in love to put up with hardly seeing the man of your dreams because of his hectic training schedule.

"Chris admires Sarra's drive and commitment to her job. I think he sees parallels between them."

Sarra, an injury claims lawyer for Balfour & Manson solicitors, fell in love with Chris after they met in an Edinburgh pub two years ago.

But distance has challenged the relationship. Sarra is tied to Scotland with her job and Chris is based in Manchester with the GB racing team.

The couple are unlikely to see much of each other in the coming weeks as Chris attends celebrations across the country.

A friend added: "Of course it's not going to be easy. If Chris takes part in the next Olympics they won't have a normal life until after 2012 and even then, who knows what he might take on next."

Family say the pair have no intention of getting married yet.

Chris' uncle Derek Hoy said: "I think they are quite happy as they are."

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Mad about the Hoy: Chris shows off his medals with Sarra