The London Daily News

Olympics Desk

Olympic cyclist and medal hopeful Lizzie Armistead has joined forces with toy giant Hornby to launch Team GB's Scalextric Velodrome Cycling Set in Manchester in a campaign that launches iconic souvenirs to the public, including miniature buses and taxis with the 2012 logo. 

Speaking to The London Daily News Lizzie Armistead who is the brand ambassador to Hornby, the official toy product supplier to the London 2012 Olympic Game said:

"With the 2012 Games being staged at home, it is exciting and keeps all the athletes focused on achieving a medial with your home crowd behind you."

Hornby Hobbies Ltd who launched a range of products on September 1 the official date all the Olympics sponsors can start selling merchandise, with projections showing that the minature red bus is expected to sell over 250,000 units.

The British cycling team which trains at the Manchester Velodrome has already notched up 47 medals, and came fourth at the last Olympics in Beijing.

Sir Chris Hoy was seen training on the day of the launch of Hornbys merchandise with other cyclist at the Manchester Velodrome.

One of the products that is hoped will excite younger followers of the Olympics is the Team GB Scalextric Velodrome Cycling Set which will be part of a media campaign to encourage more young people to take up cycling.

Photo credits:  Natalie Mitrides