Emma Finucane and The National Lottery get Welsh wheels spinning
When you visit Welsh cyclist Emma Finucane’s first club it’s easy to see how the Team GB star is inspiring a new generation of young riders.
On the day Emma, Sophie Capewell and Katy Marchant took Paris 2024 by storm by winning Great Britain’s first Olympic women’s team sprint gold, the atmosphere at Towy Riders in Carmarthen was electric.
As one young rider put it, “Knowing Emma started out here at Towy Riders is so inspiring for everyone here.”
Emma is one of nine Welsh cyclists (including two reserves) competing at Paris 2024. It’s clear that her success – and the support of funding made possible by National Lottery players – has been a game changer for both Towy Riders and Welsh cycling in general.
During 2023/24, cycling clubs in Wales were awarded £127,134 from the Be Active Wales Fund, which uses National Lottery funding to help improve grassroots opportunities. Towy Riders has received £34,647 of National Lottery funding and Carmarthen Velodrome has been completely updated with the support of £296,000 of National Lottery funding through Sport Wales.
Speaking during a visit to Towy Riders, Olympic and World champion cyclist Dani Rowe (pictured, right) said, “Emma is such an inspiration for these young riders, and like all of her teammates, none of it would be possible without the funding athletes receive from The National Lottery.”
Ed Clancy, a three time Olympic gold medalist and the most successful Team Pursuit cyclist in history (pictured, left), added, “As athletes we are hugely grateful for the support of National Lottery players. Even at a grassroots level it makes such a difference. Clubs and tracks like this wouldn’t be available to the next generation without their support.”
Thanks to National Lottery players our Olympic and Paralympic athletes are supported to live their dreams and make the nation proud. With more than £30Million a week raised for Good Causes, The National Lottery has enabled the UK to become a global force in cycling and has provided more opportunities for people inspired by athletes like Emma to take part in the sport.
Robyn Davies, Emma’s first coach, said, “Everyone here is so proud of Emma. She joined Towy Riders when she was only 8 years old, and now she’s at the Olympic Games and inspiring our next generation of riders.”
7th August 2024
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