Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell has backed Bristol's bid to become a host city for the 2018 World Cup.

Cracknell, who has rowed across the channel, raced to the South Pole and, more recently, taken part in a Land's End to John O'Groats record attempt, gave his support when he was in Broadmead inviting shoppers to take part in a cycling challenge.

The 37-year-old said it would make a hat-trick of sporting events being held in the UK over the next 10 years.

He said: "I think it's great and would complete a line-up of great sporting events over the next few years with the London Olympics in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in 2014 in Scotland.

"Plus it will mean we automatically qualify which will be great. It could bring an atmosphere like Euro 96 did.

"Bristol is a great city, it is the gateway to the South West but a new stadium will be the key to winning the bid."

Cracknell, who has visited Bristol several times, was teamed with Southmead doctor Ed Coats earlier this year to recreate Scott's race to the South Pole.

Along with TV presenter Ben Fogle the duo raced more than 400 miles on skis to get to the Pole, each pulling a sled weighing 70kg and surviving in temperatures as low as -50°C.

The double gold medal winner said: "We heard a lot about Bristol from Ed – he had stories of the A&E department and Vicky Pollard impressions.

"I think having something like the World Cup here will be a massive boost for the city. I've been to huge sporting events all over the world so I know the atmosphere they create and I think football fans are such a passionate bunch it would be great. It would also be hugely profitable."

Cracknell's latest extreme challenge was to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats by tandem with Olympic medallist Rebecca Romero. The pair attempted to cover the 874 miles in just over two days to beat the record but were forced to withdraw on medical advice after Romero suffered discomfort in her knees.

Representatives from the England 2018 World Cup team will visit Bristol next week to assess the city's potential for hosting international football and the surrounding carnival that comes with it.

The city is one of 16 angling for inclusion in England's bid to FIFA to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

To register your support for Bristol and England go to www. thisisbristol.co.uk/worldcup or www.bristol2018.net.

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