Cycling masterclasses in Castle Square for wannabe Olympians

Young Swansea cyclists looking to follow in the footsteps of Team GB’s Olympic medal winning stars today had the chance to try out the sport in Castle Square.

Welsh Cycling was on hand at Swansea’s Official Team GB Fan Zone today (Thursday August 18) with state-of-the-art cycling equipment and expert advice.

Their visit from 11am to 4pm came within days of Welsh stars like Becky James, Elinor Barker and Owain Doull cementing Britain’s status as the world’s best cycling country at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Castle Square’s Official Team GB Fan Zone is a partnership between Swansea Council and the British Olympic Association to create a network of Fan Zones across the UK to broadcast live coverage of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, giving people the chance to show their support for Team GB and share memorable moments together.

Swansea is the only Official Team GB Fan Zone in Wales and one of only 11 across the UK.

An astroturfed area with deckchairs is open every day in Castle Square throughout the Olympics from 11am to 8pm, where people can watch the action live from Rio on the big screen.

Swansea Council and Team GB have also kitted out Castle Square and the big screen with Team GB Olympic branding.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “Olympic fever is now alive and kicking in Swansea, with many thousands of us tuning into the action from Rio every day to cheer on Team GB.

“London 2012 set the scene and we are now seeing how the legacy of four years ago is converting into medals out in Rio. Hundreds of people have made the most of our Fan Zone in Castle Square, not just to watch the sport in a terrific atmosphere, but also to try the range of activities that are being made available. By encouraging greater participation and signposting them to local clubs, it might just mean we could be watching these young stars at future Olympics.

“Team GB is having a really successful Olympics so far, from Andy Murray in the tennis to Max Whitlock in the gymnastics, but it’s our cyclists, including several Welsh stars, who have really caught the eye with their domination at the velodrome.

“We have worked with various national governing bodies and partners to attract a number of relevant activities to the Fan Zone during the games. Welsh Cycling’s visit to Castle Square will give anyone who has been inspired by our brilliant cyclists the chance to try the sport for themselves and get information about local cycling clubs.”

Golf ‘come and try it’ sessions have already taken place at Castle Square as well as other activities including a RYA Cymru Wales Sailing information stand today and laser shooting with Pentathlon GB on Saturday August 20 from 11am to 6pm, and cycle and run taster sessions with Wales Triathlon on Saturday August 20 from 11am to 6pm.

Aldi, Official Supermarket Sponsors of Team GB, will also be on hand at Castle Square with a smoothie bike on Friday August 19 between noon and 6pm, giving people the chance to make a smoothie with pedal power.

Have a look at www.enjoyswanseabay.com for more information.