Double Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott OBE and Paralympic champion Mark Colbourne MBE returned to the scene of their greatest triumph today as they were confirmed as ambassadors for the London 2012 legacy venue, the Lee Valley VeloPark.
Trott and Colbourne were unveiled to the press inside the Olympic Velodrome - situated at the heart of the VeloPark, which opens to the public in March - a year on from their medal-winning performances, and said they both hoped their roles will inspire the next generation of champions.
"I am hugely excited to be the ambassador for Lee Valley VeloPark. It holds a very special place in my heart, with unforgettable memories from London 2012. With its world class facilities, it really will inspire the next generation of cyclists; something that I feel passionate about and hope to help achieve through my role here," said Trott, who triumphed in both the team pursuit and omnium at last year's Games.
Colbourne, who recently announced his retirement from racing after admitting the defence of his C1 3km Pursuit title at the Rio Paralympics aged 46 was 'unrealistic', added: "I do feel honoured to have competed in the velodrome and very proud to have raced and won in front of my home crowd.
"I've always enjoyed helping other people from all walks of life and I do feel that due to my hard work and determination never to give up when living out my dream. This ambassadorial role will help me to inspire many more children in their quest to achieve great things in sport and in life.
"The world class Lee Valley VeloPark is a testament to what can be gained from a home Games. The facilities are state of the art for all kinds of cycling, and with the various kinds of sport within cycling today, these family and group conditions can and will benefit every kind of cycling athlete for many years to come."
Trott will race on the Velodrome once again if she competes at the Revolution Series finale next March, the first international event to be staged at the track since London 2012.
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