The Games (pictured top) was launched last Saturday (August 11 to coincide with the final weekend of the Olympics and will run for two weeks.

More than 100 Olympic-themed events, featuring coaching and competitions, are planned nationwide and thousands of young people are expected to take part with 100 signed-up cycling clubs throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

With such a widespread programme of free or low-cost events, Armitstead (pictured below) is confident the Games can inspire the next generation of riders – just as the prospect of London 2012 attracted her as a teenager.

"I started riding when I was 16 because it had been announced that we were going to be having the Olympic Games in London and British Cycling launched a programme to find young talent," said Armitstead, who won Team GB's first medal of London 2012 when she claimed silver in the road race.

Lizzie Armitstead is hoping the success of Team GB's cyclists at London 2012 will help inspire a new generation of riders

"Now, with London, I hope everyone is as excited as we are and that the Go-Ride Games can inspire the next generation of star riders."

Similarly, Clancy, a member of the gold medal winning pursuit team at London 2012, is keen to see as many young people as possible give cycling a try: "I started out as a kid who loved messing around on mountain and BMX bikes, but it was my local club that helped me become a proper rider.

"Go-Ride clubs are brilliant at getting young people started in cycling – that is why I'm sure all the Go-Ride Games events will be great fun and a huge success!"

To find out more click here. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]