North eyes next generation in Welsh cycling role

Double track world champion and Olympic silver medallist Becky North has been named president of Welsh cycling's governing body.

North retired aged 25 in August 2017 after a glittering career that took her to the pinnacle of the sport.

She says her appointment to the role of Beicio Cymru (Welsh Cycling) president is a chance to encourage women and children to get on bikes after a career in which her "focus was purely on performance, sport and competing".

"Now, for me, my focus is on helping to inspire the next generation," she said.

North, now 34, added: "I think it would be really special to help encourage women and girls to ride bikes. From a young age, I was surrounded by a lot of men and boys, and there weren't so many females, especially when I was racing.

"I want to show young girls and women what cycling can do for them."

Beicio Cymru chief executive Caroline Spanton welcomed North's appointment and said: "On the back of incredible success at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and heading into 2027, we're at a really exciting point for cycling in Wales, with the opportunity to build real momentum in the months and years ahead.

"The Tour de France coming to Wales is a huge moment for us, but it's about so much more than the event itself. It's about inspiring more people to ride, creating opportunities for generations to come and turning that moment into meaningful, lasting change for cycling across Wales."