NEWPORT'S velodrome will be the home of the British Olympic cycling team as they prepare to take on the world at next year's Beijing Olympics.

Council chiefs hailed the news as a great endorsement for the city and the facility, which was also used by the GB team before the 2004 Games in Athens.

The team, which is likely to include Olympic champions Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins, will stay at the Celtic Manor resort during their time in Newport.

They will use the velodrome for an intensive training camp in the two weeks before the Games.

Staff at the Velodrome, located at Newport International Sports Village, will turn up the heat at the track to stimulate the high temperatures that the riders will experience in China.

A special heat room may also be created to help the riders get used to competing in humid conditions.

Councillor Ron Jones, cabinet member for culture and recreation, said "It is fantastic to welcome back the Great Britain Team to the Wales National Velodrome.

"It is once again a great endorsement to the excellent facility, staff and to the city of Newport that the team have returned.

"We at Newport City Council wish them all the luck for the games and are proud that our Velodrome can help prepare the team for such an important sporting occasion."

Doug Dailey, from the GB Team added: "The excellent quality and speed of the track make the Wales National Velodrome the perfect venue for our riders to prepare for the Olympics in Beijing.

"The track, staff and venue were perfect when used in preparation for the 2004 games and will help once again get the riders ready for more medal success in 2008."