NEWS FOR NOVEMBER 2003

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SEARCH IS ON FOR WELSH CYCLING IDOL

Women across Wales are limbering up to test their pedal power at the new Wales National Velodrome, Newport in a bid to compete at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The Welsh Cycling Union is launching a massive talent search to discover sprint champions such as Wales current top sprinter Denise Hampson and former champion Lousie Jones. Individuals who look like they have what it takes will receive expert training and support to get them ready for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Through Welsh Assembly Government funding, the Sports Council for Wales is ploughing �14,000 into discovering, supporting and nurturing the sprint riders. Although akin to Pop Idol, Wales National Coach John Murray insists the process will not be as harsh as its showbiz equivalent:

�We just want girls to give it a go" John explained. "We�re looking for power and the ability to sprint for a short time. The Velodrome is a great facility and this is where most of the work will be done in the run up to Melbourne.�

Thirty women will be selected from the initial test which will be staged 6-7 December. Following six weeks of further testing and training, the line up will be whittled down to just 15. Wales�s number 1 female sprint cyclist, Welsh Speed Queen Denise Hampson, says,

�I think it�s fantastic that the Welsh Cycling Union is looking to develop sprinters in Wales and hope the uptake will be high. It will be great to have a squad of girls to train with and raise the standard of cycling in Wales.�

Denise was the winner of three silver medals at National Track Championships this year and rode for Wales at the last Commonwealth Games. One of her highlights in 2003 was her welcome return to form and signifcantly improving her times. Her 500 metre time of just over 35 seconds is a world class effort and bodes well for the future for this young athlete.

Newport City Council received the official go-ahead for construction on the Velodrome in July last year when the Sports Council for Wales released more than �7.5 million from its lottery fund.

As well as a world-class training base for elite cyclists, it will also be a major focus of community activity. It will house a multi-use area which will accommodate five-a-side football, netball, basketball and badminton as well as a 60 metre sprint track. There will also be new changing facilities for those using local sports fields.

The Velodrome will add to an already impressive range of sporting facilities available at Spytty Park, which is becoming established as one of the finest 'sports village' complexes in the UK. To register your interest, please contact the Welsh Cycling Union on 01633 670 540 or visit www.welshcyclingunion.com

John Murray helps Welsh Speed Queen Denise Hampson to gather momentum at the new Welsh National Velodrome at Newport.

The WCU Poster, featuring Nicole Cooke, World Cup champion on the road in 2003, aims to attract girls to the art of track sprinting where Wales has a history of producing world athletes including the WCU's very own Louise Jones and nowadays, Colwyn Bay's sportswoman of the year, Denise Hampson.