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Press Release

See the British Olympic cycling team in action

July 25, 2008

World’s media come to the Wales National Velodrome

The media spotlight fell on Wales National Velodrome on Wednesday for the official press conference of the British Olympic cycling team.

The Newport-based Velodrome was thriving with activity as the world’s press jostled for position to interview Britain’s Olympic hopefuls.

All training sessions will be open to the public free of charge. See some of the world’s best cyclists and potential Olympic medal winners in action, including Bradley Wiggins (triple Olympic champion), Geraint Thomas (only Welsh rider to finish the tour de France) and Victoria Pendleton (world ladies sprint champion).

Training sessions will take place from 9am to 6pm (please note there is no structured sessions so there is no guarantee training will be taking place at all times).

The team will be based at the Celtic Manor in Newport and cycle down each day to the Newport International Sports Village.

The weather in Beijing is somewhat different to that of Newport and the team need to train in similar conditions to prepare adequately for the games. Temperatures at the Velodrome track will be turned up to simulate the high temperatures that the riders will experience in China. This was also done, to great success, when the team trained for the Athens games.

Doug Dailey, from the GB team, said: “The excellent quality and speed of the track makes the Wales National Velodrome the perfect venue for our riders to prepare for the Olympics in Beijing.

“The track, staff and venue were perfect when used in preparation for the 2004 games and will help once again get the riders ready for more medal success in 2008.”

Councillor Mike Hamilton, cabinet member for leisure and continuing learning, said: “The similarity of the track to the actual Olympic cycling venue in Beijing makes it an ideal location for the British Olympic Cycling team preparations.

“Newport City Council wishes them well and fingers crossed for some gold medals in China.”

For more information, contact Dan Finch, marketing manager, on 01633 232829.

last update: Sat, 7 Feb 2009
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