Eurostar launches 'golden' trains to carry athletes and fans to Paris Olympics

London 2012 Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill has helped Eurostar to unveil two “golden trains” that will transport athletes and spectators to the Paris Games this summer.

The cross-channel high-speed rail firm is an official partner to Team GB and aims to transport 2,000 athletes and staff – including from Team Belgium, Team Netherlands, and Team Germany – and two million spectators to the French capital for the Olympics and Paralympics.

The newly-decorated e320 trains were unveiled with one month to go until the start of the Games.

Dame Jess, who won the heptathlon gold in 2012, was joined at St Pancras on Tuesday morning by Paralympics GB double gold medallist Maisie Summers-Newton – who will compete this summer - and former Team GB athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton.

Up to eight extra services a day will run at peak times on July 25 to 27 and August 10-12, periods that overlap with the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. Train tickets are still available.

An Olympic “fan zone” is being set up at Coal Drops Yard, near St Pancras station.

Dame Jessica said: “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.”

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 Paralympics GB.

“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.”