TAKE A VIRTUAL TRIP AROUND HOG HILL

Members of the Lee Valley Youth Cycling Club were the first cyclists to take to the new road circuit at Hog Hill, the replacement venue for the old Eastway cycle circuit.

LVYCC used to use the facilities at Eastway heavily, and so it was with some trepidation that the riders set out on Hog Hill - could it follow in the footsteps of the legendary Eastway? The club filmed a loop of the circuit and posted it on the internet so that you can see what it's like (below).

"We had a great time on what will be a wonderful circuit," said Michael Humphreys, Eastway Users Group chairman. "This was just the 800 metre indy circuit with the alpine turns, but already we can tell the circuit's going to put us back where we were with riders who can learn how to handle bikes and make them go up hills."

"For the seniors, I doubt you will find a circuit which tests your cornering nerve and your snap on the short climbs better than this. Again, like Eastway you are drawn ever-onwards by the next feature - be it swoopy bend or snappy climb to the top straight."

"Come the summer when we get the full 2km it's now obvious that the circuit will be the country's best for its full-on speed and delicacy of touch. In the meantime, this is the most entertaining and exacting 800m of tarmac anywhere," added Humphreys.

Hog Hill is situated in the London Borough of Redbridge, near to Hainault Country Park.