London 2012 success leads to huge boost in interest in track cycling at Newport Velodrome

Newport City Council has revealed a surge in the number of cyclists using the Wales National Velodrome, where Team GB and Paralympics GB’s track cyclists made their final preparations for London 2012. The growth in interest in the track is being directly attributed to the success over the summer of the country's top track riders.

Since April alone, 20,671 cyclists have used the velodrome in Newport – compared to 21,450 in the whole of 2011. The pre-Olympic and Paralympic training camps got a lot of media coverage locally, with some sessions open to the public resulting in capacity crowds, which also helped lead to huge interest from people wanting to take to the boards themselves.

As a result, all courses for people looking to try track cycling for the first time or improve on their existing skills are now fully booked until the new year, reports the South Wales Argus.

Councillor Debbie Wilcox, cabinet member for leisure and culture at Newport City Council, commented: “The increased interest in cycling is definitely a result of the ‘Olympic effect’ and it is wonderful that even more people are discovering the Velodrome.

“Its world-class facilities were certainly appreciated by the Olympic and Paralympic athletes, who spoke highly of their time at the training camps.

“However, the Velodrome can be used by anyone, from elite athletes to absolute beginners and that is what makes it so special.”