The cycle track at a major Bradford sports centre may be named after Wibsey's Olympic bronze medallist Yvonne McGregor.

Mike Healey and Pete Latarch, of Bradford Cycling Action Group, have asked Bradford Council to name the Richard Dunn Sports Centre track in memory of her historic achievement.

Yvonne became the first British woman in history to win an Olympic cycling medal when she took the bronze in the 3,000 metres individual pursuit in Sydney last week. At 39 she is the oldest female cycling medallist in Olympic history.

Today leading members of all political parties said they would support the plan for the track, which is used by the Kids Saturday Bike Club - with youngsters who have already won national honours hoping to follow in her footsteps.

Mr Healey, coach and development officer of East Bradford Cycling Club - Yvonne's first club - said: "She is probably the greatest sportswoman that this city has ever known. If the council wants to recognise Yvonne's extraordinary achievements, I can think of no better permanent memorial to her talent, dedication and courage.

"I hope Yvonne will become a role model in Bradford and her great achievement will trigger great support for cycling. Yvonne is determined, strong-minded, level-headed and courageous. She has come back after some appalling injuries. She has had a remarkable career in fell running, triathlon and, cycling."

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "I have already written to her that she has brought great credit to herself and the whole of the district. This is a very exciting idea. I will give it my blessing and hope it will be agreed."

The move was also welcomed by deputy leaders of the Labour and Liberal Democrat groups councillors Barry Thorne and Allan Hillary.

Yvonne said: "I would be most flattered and honoured by it and, only having lived one mile away, it's quite appropriate in some ways. Even though I live away from Bradford now, I still see it as home and it's always nice to come back".

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