Well it’s hardly central London but at least there is an alternative site for cycle racing during the redevolopment period. Those riding from central London will have an extra 8 miles of traffic to get through, which isn’t ideal. LondonCycleSport.com has been very involved in this so much more information can be found there, especially the views of the Eastway Users Group (EUG). Here’s the basic outline from a press release from the London Development Agency:

The proposed location of a temporary home for the Eastway Cycle Circuit has been announced by the London Development Agency.

The cycle circuit, which will be moved for the development of the Olympic Park, is set to have a new home on Rammey Marsh in the London borough of Enfield. The site has drawn praise from British Cycling, and has the support of Enfield Council, which is keen to attract the popular cycle circuit to the area.

A key legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be major new facilities for cyclists, with the construction of an Olympic VeloPark. This will include a 1,500 seat velodrome and an international standard BMX track. After the Games, a cycle circuit, mountain bike and cyclo-cross tracks will be reinstated within the VeloPark, which will become the only integrated centre in the UK offering first class facilities for all the disciplines of cycling. It will be open to elite and grassroots cyclists alike.

The Rammey Marsh site was unveiled to cyclists last night at a consultation meeting.
Gareth Blacker, Director of Development at the London Development Agency, said: ‘In the long-term the Games will be a real boost to the sport of cycling with the construction of the VeloPark. Meanwhile, Rammey Marsh is an ideal site for temporarily relocating the Eastway Cycle Circuit. It is large enough to accommodate a road circuit, mountain bike and cyclo-cross trails, allowing safe cycling in a traffic-free environment.

‘Announcing our proposal for the Eastway circuit is an important step forward in our relocation programme for those affected by the Olympic Park plans.’

The LDA is committed to funding the relocation of the cycle circuit. The LDA is working with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which part owns Rammey Marsh and is the landowner of the Eastway Cycle Circuit, to agree ongoing operational funding for the period leading up to the Games.

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of LVRPA, said: ‘We are very happy for our land at Rammey Marsh to be the temporary home of the relocated Eastway cycle circuit as it retains this popular activity within the Lee Valley. We will continue working with our partners on the delivery of this facility for the Eastway cyclists until we can reincorporate the circuit in the Lee Valley VeloPark, a major Olympic legacy facility.’

Dave Cockram, National Facilities Officer for British Cycling, the internationally recognized governing body for cycling in Great Britain, said: ‘We are delighted to support the London Development Agency’s proposal of Rammey Marsh as the temporary home of the Eastway Cycle Circuit. British Cycling is currently looking at the option of maintaining the Rammey Marsh cycling facility permanently, in addition to the Eastway circuit when it is reinstated after the Games.’ (we can only hope so! – ed)

Councillor Mike Rye, Leader of Enfield Council said: ‘This is an exciting opportunity for sport in Enfield engineered by London’s marvellous victory to win the right to host the Olympics in 2012.

‘The proposals will need planning permission and the Council’s Planning Committee will scrutinise the proposals very carefully, however, a cycle circuit on Rammey Marsh would be an excellent community resource and we look forward to working closely with the LDA, other stakeholders and users to further develop the plans.’