James Cracknell backs the bid

Olympic rower pulling for Bristol.

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 while in Bristol promoting a cycling challenge.

Cracknell said: "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 was teamed with Bristol doctor Ed Coats earlier this year to recreate Scott's race to the South Pole along with TV presenter Ben Fogle.

"I think having something like the World Cup here will be a massive boost for the city," he said. "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."