Cycling for success - alt.cardiff

This summer, Wales National Velodrome played host to TeamGB’s medal-winning track cyclists as they prepared for London 2012.

Junior cyclists training at the Velodrome in Newport

The £7m facility, in Newport, was the training centre for athletes including Sir Chris Hoy and Mark Colbourne and alt.cardiff hit the track to discover how a new generation of cyclists was inspired.

Michael Heaven, Welsh Cycling assistant coach, told us that the Olympic and Paralympic training sessions were extremely popular with the public. He claims that the sessions have boosted participation on the track too and added that watching the professionals had given young hopefuls the inspiration to succeed.

Mr Heaven, who coaches the Welsh Cycling junior team, now hopes to develop a larger pool of potential Welsh winners for the British Championships and Commonwealth Games.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqV6YWKHy1M&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

Juniors warming up at a training session at Wales National Velodrome

Wales National Velodrome is one of only four international velodromes in the UK and the only one in Wales. It is located at the International Sports Village in Newport and provides state-of-the-art training and fitness facilities. The Velodrome is also home to Welsh Cycling.

Welsh Cycling is the internationally recognised body that administers all aspects of cycling in Wales covering a network of over 80 clubs.

Newport City Council runs a range of events and activities throughout the year to encourage people of all abilities to get involved in sport.

Pedal Power