Team GB cycling stars Geraint Thomas and Lizzie Armitstead will be among the star attractions when the Black Country UTC hosts the first of its ‘Live Series’ events.
The UTC, which is based just across the border on Vernon Way in Walsall, will bring ‘Accelerate Live’ to the Black Country on Saturday November 24th – when prospective year 10 and year 12 students will be able to see the magic of engineering brought to life by a series of exhibitions and showcases.
Amongst them will be the award winning Pedals to Medals interactive experience, a journey through the engineering history of cycles right through from the Penny Farthing to the bikes that saw our Olympians grab London 2012 glory.
That unique opportunity to get up close with some of the most famous bikes in history will be supplemented by the chance to hear first-hand about how important engineering is to the riders themselves, with Geraint and Lizzie talking through their experiences in London and what they expect to change before Rio.
The pair will also be offering young engineering enthusiasts in the area the chance to get autographs and pictures, along with posing their own questions to the duo.
Along with the cycling theme Accelerate Live will also showcase dynamic engineering and science demonstrations including robotics displays, Green Power vehicles and much more.
Black Country UTC Principal Chris Hilton believes the event is a great way to demonstrate how the organisation differs from standard schooling.
He said: “The educational experience here really brings engineering and science to life, and we believe that anyone’s visit to our college should do exactly the same.
“The Olympics is a hugely interesting subject at the moment owing to our success and a big part of that has been engineering – it is fascinating seeing the exhibits in Pedals to Medals and how the advancements have been made.
“We are honoured to have two Olympic cyclists here on the day, especially two who had such notable achievements as Geraint and Lizzie.
“Lizzie was Team GBs first medalist of the games and really started the ball rolling and Geraint was part of a team that shattered a world record on the way to winning a gold medal – it will be amazing to hear from them first hand.â€
Anyone wishing to attend Accelerate Live should visit www.utcliveseries.co.uk to register for tickets.