Olympic gold Medallist Geraint Thomas today joined the campaign to highlight the importance of a balanced diet as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The Welsh cyclist, who won gold as part of the record-breaking men’s pursuit team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and is one of Britain’s top hopes to repeat his success at London in 2012, was unveiled as a new ambassador for Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef.
Geraint, who last weekend sealed his first major professional win with victory in the Tour of Bavaria, is backing a campaign by Welsh red meat promotion agency Hybu Cig Cymru to highlight the importance of eating a balanced diet.
During today’s announcement at the Vale Hotel near Cardiff, he also revealed his favourite beef and lamb recipes, took part in a cooking demonstration and talked about his diet and fitness regime with young people from the Cardiff Ajax cycling club and Maindy Flyers cycling club (Geraint’s former team).
“Fuelling yourself for any exercise, whether it’s the Tour de France or just a friendly game of football with your friends, it’s important that you eat the right foods to get the essential vitamins,” said Geraint, who will shortly be taking part in the Tour de France.
“Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef are excellent sources of protein and iron and combining those with good portions of carbohydrates such as potatoes and vegetables is important for helping to give you energy and helps with the body’s recovery after exercising.”
During today’s event Geraint also launched a new publication which aims to help give future athletes the information they need to get the right diet to succeed.
The booklet contains information about his daily routine, why it’s important to eat the right foods and get the right balance of nutrients, as well as two of his favourite Welsh Beef and Welsh Lamb recipes.
“After a long race, I look forward to a delicious Welsh Beef steak, because it helps with my energy recovery, but also because it always gives a boost to my morale.
“I also know that both Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef are reared naturally so I don’t need to worry that there are any additives in there that I shouldn’t be eating.”
HCC Chairman Dai Davies said: “We are delighted to have Geraint as an ambassador for Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef.
“He is one of the UK’s top athletes and is a great example of how eating red meat can help to fuel the success of the nation’s top sports men and women.”
View all news stories