RACE OFFICIALS TO VISIT DOCKLANDS CIRCUIT

THE Royal Docks cycle racing circuit will be discussed in detail on site next Saturday (January 13) when British Cycling?s chief executive Peter King and representatives of the London Development Agency (LDA) meet with local cycling officials.

The circuit is fenced and floodlit and is being provided by the LDA as an interim measure pending the opening of Hog Hill circuit in Redbridge this August, the relocation site for the Eastway circuit now closed for construction of the Olympic Games site.

The 900-metre circuit in Newham, close to City Airport, besides catering for racing enthusiasts across Greater London, will also be made available to the local schools in the ?Olympic Boroughs?. Newham was ranked bottom London Borough in a recent survey of physical activity and British Cycling sees an opportunity of setting up cycling activities for local youth.

?The final layout of the circuit is not finalised yet,? said Dave Cockram, British Cycling Facilities Officer. ?It won?t be very technical, and will be designed with fast corners for big bunches. It will also be windy.?

Cockram, who harks back to the days of airfield circuits with difficult corners for added excitement, would have preferred one decent braking corner. But he?s nevertheless satisfied that Docklands will be a good racing circuit. ?I think it?s going to be a very good facility,? he told Cycling Weekly.

The site will be managed by British Cycling who will employ up to three people. It will be supported by a grant from the LDA and run in cooperation with Eastern, South Eastern and Central Regions who have formed an informal London Alliance for the benefit of the Greater London area.

After viewing the site, officials, including race promoters, will attend a meeting at the adjacent East London University.

When more detailed information about the facility is available it will be posted on British Cycling and LDA websites.