A living legend has sparked Olympic fever by visiting her old primary school.

Lizzie Armitstead may be only 23 but she has established herself as a world champion track and road racing cyclist, and is one of the UK's brightest hopes for the 2012 Olympic Games. So the stage was set for a rousing reception when she returned to her first school, The Whartons, in her home town of Otley on Tuesday – and that's exactly what she got.

Excited pupils and staff crammed into the hall to enjoy an assembly where Lizzie answered questions on everything from her training regime to schoolday memories.

Revelations that she has seven bikes, each with 24 gears, drew gasps of admiration from the children, who also asked what they would need to do to become Olympic cyclists.

Lizzie, who rode to the school from her nearby family home, said: "I've always enjoyed riding my bike but I didn't start racing until I was 16, so there's plenty of time for any of you if you want to start."

She then led a group of Year 5 pupils on a cycling lesson in the playground, where she was watched and cheered on by dozens of other children.

Assistant head teacher Pat Armstrong, who taught Lizzie when she was at The Whartons, said: "This has been great for the children, to get them really excited about the Olympics.

"It was running Lizzie was known for when she was here, she was the first cross country runner to bring back a medal for us and was a great all-rounder - bright, popular, determined and sporty, just a lovely girl.

"She got spotted for cycling by a scout after she'd gone to Prince Henry's Grammar School, but I always remember her being on her bike because she lived opposite us and would play out on it with my children.”

Pupils also got to see the Team GB Velodrome Cycling Set, a racing game by Hornby, in action on the day. The company is the official product supplier of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and Lizzie is their brand ambassador.