HUNDREDS of people attended the open session for the Great British Cycling Team at Newport’s Velodrome on Wednesday.

Fans in the crowds cheered with excitement as the cyclists came out in teams to practise circuits in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

The teams, who game out in groups of four, were met with loud whoops and cheers before starting to whizz around the track.

Seating for the event had completely sold out, with many families stood watching and shouting their support.

Audience members also mopped their brows and fanned their faces, and had to keep going outside for fresh air as the heating was turned on full blast inside the Velodrome to imitate the climate in Brazil.

“We’ve had the heating up all week,” said Newport Live marketing executive Dee Montague.

“Every session the team has here is done exactly how it would be in the games as we want them to be ready for the hot climate in Rio.

“Until you come and see it for yourself you don’t realise how amazing it is.”

Cycling fan Neil Richards had come along with his wife Pam to watch the sessions, and said he has always been a big fan of cycling.

“It’s a great thing to come down and watch, especially as they were last here in 2012.

“It’s enjoyable to see them and it’s great to come and cheer them on, especially the people from Wales.

“I mean, it’s right on our doorstep almost so why not come and see it?”

Mr Richards said he has been a fan of cycling since going to sessions at the Velodrome as a young boy.

His wife Pam, said: “You just have to come and see it don’t you. It’s so wonderful to watch and so gripping as well.”

The open sessions have been held at Newport’s velodrome for the past week, with two more sessions taking place before the GB team travel to Brazil.

More than 2,200 tickets have been sold so far, with more expected to be purchased for tomorrow’s session and Monday’s open session.

For more information about booking tickets for the sessions at Newport velodrome, visit newportlive.co.uk