AS a lifelong and passionate fan of everything sport related, Becky’s exploits on a bike have not gone unnoticed by the watchful eye of Abergavenny’s first citizen, Chris Woodhouse.

The town’s Mayor delights in anything that puts his beloved Abergavenny on the map and Becky’s Olympic success in Rio certainly did that.

“She’s a marvellous athlete and a true asset to the town,” explained Chris. “What’s more, even though she comes from a family which has produced more than its fair share of great and successful cyclists, they are all in my experience very humble and modest people, with their feet firmly on the ground, and Becky is no exception.”

Recalling her four medal haul at the Track Cycling World Championship in Minsk, Chris said, “After Becky’s fantastic and record-breaking win, I remember one of the first things she did was return to Abergavenny and take her medals to various primary schools to show the children. I thought that was a lovely gesture.”

In honour of her Olympian achievements, Abergavenny Town Council have invited Becky James and her family to switch on the Christmas lights on November 26.

Chris told the Chronicle, “Hopefully Becky will be able to make the big switch on but I know she lives in Manchester and trains in Portugal during the Winter, so there might be a chance her schedule won’t allow it.

“However, members of her family will definitely be there to represent Becky in spirit.”

Turning his thoughts to the future, the Mayor explained, “Obviously medal wining Olympians don’t come along all that often, even for a town with the enviable sporting prowess of Abergavenny, so the town council are currently throwing around suggestions on how best to honour Becky’s achievements. She has already earned herself a place on the town’s honors board, but obviously her success in Rio deserves to be marked in its own way. So people please - watch this space!”