Olympic gold medallist rower Tom James has waded in to support the British Heart Foundation’s North Wales Bike Ride by encouraging fellow North Walians to don the lycra for a very good cause.

Tom James MBE, 25, originally from Coedpoeth near Wrexham, famously won gold at the Beijing Olympics last summer in the flagship men’s coxless four crew. The engineering graduate and former President of the Cambridge University Boat Club competed in the Cambridge light blues boat four times, winning at his final attempt in 2007.

Although unable to take part himself this year, James has given his full support to the BHF Bike Ride, which pedals out of Rhyl’s Arena on Sunday 10 May.

Speaking at Coed Llandegla Forest Visitor Centre, near Wrexham, he said: "The British Heart Foundation’s North Wales Bike Ride is a fantastic event that can obviously make a real difference in raising awareness of looking after your heart and keeping active.

"Any event that encourages people to take part in any form of exercise, whilst helping a very worthy charity deserves applause. I would encourage people to get on their bikes for a worthwhile cause and keep fit in the process. Where better to do that than the beautiful coast of North Wales?

"Cycling, like rowing, is a very effective form of exercise, particularly for the legs and is an enjoyable way to burn off calories. It’s also similar in that both sports can be individual or team pursuits that are ultimately extremely sociable and great fun. I think that is the heart of any sporting activity, at any level, including the BHF Bike Ride and I’m sure a great deal of families, and friends will have a great day at the event."

Registration is open for the event and already keen participants have begun signing up to put their hearts first and raise money for the British Heart Foundation in North Wales.

Hannah Townsend, BHF Wales Events Organiser said:

"We are really grateful to Tom for his valuable support of the BHF Bike Ride. He is one of the most inspirational sportsmen in Britain, let alone North Wales, and we hope his encouragement will inspire many people to come along on the day to raise plenty of ‘gold’ for a good cause!

"You don’t have to be an Olympian to take part though, far from it. The North Wales Bike Ride is all about getting families on their bikes for a good cause for a thoroughly fun day out. Now is the time to sign up and join in the fun in May, just visit www.bhf.org.uk/northwales for all the information."

The Sports Council for Wales is once again supporting the event and is urging people to capitalise on the opportunity to join in the battle to fight heart disease and to help transform the population into a fitter, more active nation.

The North Wales Bike Ride is a great activity for all ages and abilities. Participants will enjoy views of the coastline and countryside, with the majority of the route following cycle paths, away from the traffic.

The 15-mile route starts between 09:00am and 10:00am from Rhyl's seafront Arena. Following the coastal path, you will ride to Prestatyn where the route joins the Dyserth Way cycle path and leads to Rhuddlan, before returning to the coastal path and proceeding to the finish line.

This year also sees the introduction of a more demanding 30 mile route which will follow country roads around the beautiful North Wales countryside. Along single track paths, it will take in all that North Wales has to offer.

The bike ride aims to get over 400 people taking part and money raised will help the BHF fight heart disease – Wales’ biggest killer.

A superhuman level of fitness is by no means a pre-requisite for taking part. The ride is set to draw people from all across the region to demonstrate that you don’t have to be a medal winner, or even a seasoned cyclist, to have a fantastic day out on your bike.

Registration is now open for the event online at www.bhf.org.uk/northwales

or by contacting the BHF Events Team on 0800 169 3672.

Registration is just £10 for adults and £5 for 12 to16 year-olds.