NEW HONOUR FOR GERAINT
WALES National Velodrome is being renamed in honour of Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas.
It will now be known as the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales in recognition of his victory – the first Welshman to win the world’s most famous cycle race.
Geraint, 32, has been a regular visitor to the velodrome, in Newport, since it opened 15 years ago.
He said: “It’s a huge honour for me to have the Velodrome renamed after me – I can’t quite believe it if I’m honest!
“The velodrome has played a pivotal part in my cycling story and continues to play such a key role in inspiring the next generation of cyclists in south Wales.
“It’s a fantastic facility for riders of all ages and abilities to hone their talents.”
Leader of Newport City Council Debbie Wilcox said: “We want to show our appreciation of Geraint’s awesome achievement. This is the glittering prize in an already stellar career in which Geraint has notched up a wealth of titles, including two Olympic golds on the track.
“Geraint has been a regular visitor to the Wales National Velodrome since it opened in 2003 and has spoken of what it has meant to him, so it is entirely fitting that Newport bestows this honour on him.
“He is not only one of the country’s most successful elite sportspeople, he has already inspired generations of young people. Like many others, I have been impressed not only by his skill, determination and hard work but by his demeanour and attitude. A true sporting idol that deserves every plaudit he has received.”
John Harrhy, chairman of Newport Live, the registered charitable trust that runs the velodrome, said: “We were all thrilled with Geraint’s historic Tour de France victory and the board and our key partners were immediately unanimous in supporting the renaming of the velodrome in Geraint’s honour.
“We have welcomed Geraint to the velodrome on many occasions and are proud to have been a part of his success, so to have his name attached permanently to Wales’ national cycling centre will inspire everyone who uses the facility and be an important part of the legacy that comes from such incredible achievements.
“Already inquiries for cycling have increased significantly, with people of all ages and backgrounds wanting to ride. Newport Live looks forward to delivering world-class services and we look forward to working with Geraint in the future to develop the legacy from his success and inspire people to cycle and take part in sport.”
The velodrome is also home to Welsh Cycling, the national governing body for cycling in Wales.
Chief Executive at Welsh Cycling, Anne Adams-King said: “Seeing Geraint as a Welsh rider who has progressed from his club, through the talent pathway to joining one of the top professional cycling teams, is inspiring in itself – but watching him progress and go on to winning the most prestigious road race in the world, that’s something truly special.
“The people of Wales have really been behind Geraint, and his success hopefully proves to our clubs, riders, and even people who haven’t begun cycling as yet that absolutely anything is achievable when you work hard.
“Wales National Velodrome is a fantastic training facility offering opportunities for both beginners and current cyclists, and it’s absolutely fantastic that the home of Welsh Cycling will now be honoured in Geraint’s name.”