Thursday, June 27, 2024
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Eurostar, the high-speed European rail service, proudly announces the launch of its exclusive Golden Train to honor the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This significant event kicked off this morning with a festive first journey, inaugurated by iconic athletes including Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, ParalympicsGB star Maisie Summers-Newton, and ex-Team GB competitor Perri Shakes-Drayton.
Featuring the glistening e320 trains adorned for the occasion, Eurostar is ready to ferry both athletes and spectators to Paris, providing service during the games, and offering a celebratory ride home. As the designated official carrier for Team GB and ParalympicsGB, Eurostar is set to host over 2,000 participants from Team GB, Team Belgium, Team Netherlands, and Team Germany.
From July through September, Eurostar anticipates transporting two million spectators, with the busiest days expected to coincide with the games’ opening and closing ceremonies on July 25-27 and August 10-12.
The event was marked by a special appearance at St Pancras International by Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Maisie Summers-Newton, and Perri Shakes-Drayton, who shared their expectations for an exciting sports summer.
Ahead of the launch, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill commented:“As we gear up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Eurostar’s Golden Train symbolises the journey towards excellence. It’s an honour to be part of this launch, and I wish all the athletes the best as they compete on the world stage as I pass the baton to talent such as Maisie.”
Excited at the prospect of taking gold home at this year’s Paralympics, Maisie Summers-Newton added: “Launching Eurostar’s Golden Train is an incredible experience. The Paralympic Games are a testament to resilience and determination, and I am excited to be part of an event that celebrates these values and can’t wait to compete in the Paris 2024 games.”
Perri Shakes-Drayton also shared her excitement: “The Golden Train is a fantastic initiative by Eurostar. It brings together athletes and supporters, highlighting the unity and spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have.”
Eurostar is stepping up by increasing its service, adding up to eight extra trains on the busiest Olympic days between London and Paris. This expansion offers more opportunities for fans to engage with the games firsthand.
Throughout the Olympics, 160 Eurostar trains will carry 2,000 athletes and team members in an eco-friendly manner from teams including Team GB, Team Belgium, Team Netherlands, and Team Germany. Eurostar stands out by partnering with an extensive array of teams.
The Paris Olympics will feature special celebrations for Eurostar travelers, including unique Olympic-themed desserts and chocolates in various classes, and a special cocktail menu in the Paris and London lounges. An estimated 21,000 champagne glasses will be enjoyed as passengers celebrate the competitions. Additionally, festivities will continue at a dedicated fan zone in Coal Drops Yard.
Eurostar is dedicated to sustainable travel, providing a significant reduction in carbon emissions for athletes traveling to the games. A study by EcoRes in 2023 highlighted that these 2,000 athletes will decrease their CO2 emissions by up to 96% compared to flying or road travel.
Simon Lejeune, Eurostar Chief Safety and Stations Officer, said: “Today marks the launch of one month to go to the Olympics. Eurostar is delighted to partner with four national teams for Paris 2024 including Team GB and ParalympicsGB. In honour of this, we’ve launched The Golden Train, a symbol of support for all athletes going for gold and for customers who’ll be travelling via us to get to the games. We’re honoured to have Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Maisie Summers-Newton and Perri Shakes-Drayton here to mark the moment.”