PRO cyclists thundering round the banked wooden oval gave their verdict on the Newport Velodrome - smooth, fast and world class.

The Wales National Velodrome held its first race meet last night, bringing Olympians and world champions to the growing Spytty 'sports village'.

Riders and cycling officials praised the flagship facility, funded with £7.5m of lottery money, and said it marked a new era in Welsh cycling.

Sports Minister Alan Pugh, AM, and Newport mayor Councillor Ray Truman were at the official opening yesterday morning, and they were joined by Welsh cycling star Nicole Cooke.

Ms Cooke, 20, said: "The track looks great and Wales needs something like this. It will create so many opportunities.

"This is covered and provides year-round, reliable training and racing. "I will definitely be using it, and I'm just annoyed that a knee injury has stopped me riding tonight."

The 250m track shares the design of the Sydney Olympic circuit, and its steeply banked corners allow riders on special bikes to hit high speeds. Mirjam Melchers, 28, a professional rider from Holland, said: "I have been practising on it. It's beautiful. Fast and beautiful." And Rob Hayles, 30, a British pro road cyclist and Olympic track rider, said: "The track looks fantastic and seems to be faster than the only other comparable UK venue, in Manchester.

"I hope non-cyclists will come to see racing here. When they do they will see how exciting it is.

"It's good that this velodrome is not as large as some in Europe, because that gives it a really electric atmosphere." Councillor Glyn Jarvis, cabinet member for culture and recreation, said: "It's a fantastic facility for cycling enthusiasts, but there's a lot for local residents.

"A sports development officer will visit schools to bring youngsters to have a go on the track."

The velodrome houses other sports facilities open to community use, including a multi-use area for five-a-side football, netball, basketball and badminton, a 60-metre sprint track, gymnastics area, a state-of-the-art fitness suite with steam room and sauna, and a dance studio. It will also headquarter The Welsh Cycling Union.

l The wider impact of the crowd-pulling velodrome is already being felt. Visitors and spectators from across Europe have come to the city for the racing being held yesterday and today.

Mayor Councillor Ray Truman said: "The economic benefits are already showing. I understand you cannot book a hotel in Newport for love nor money. Newport is being put on the map."