A BUSINESSMAN is threatening to block the path of 1,500 athletes in protest against a major sporting event.

Jason Fricker, 31, from Buckland Newton, says road closures during the Sherborne-based Half Ironman Triathlon on Sunday are already having a "devastating" effect on his fishery business - Revels Lakes Ltd, at Cosmore, near Dorchester.

Dorset County Council has put up warning signs about road closures from 7am-2pm for athletes to cycle 56 miles through Charlton Down, along the A352 and back to Sherborne after completing swimming and running challenges.

Vowing to fight plans to turn Ironman into an annual event, Mr Fricker said: "People have seen the council's signs and are ringing up to cancel their bookings because they think we will be shut too.

"I am prepared to stop this race by dragging something across the road, there are plenty of things lying about.

"I am absolutely serious about this - I can't just sit back and do nothing."

Mr Fricker said the signs give a different impression to what organisers initially told him - that roads are only closed in one direction for two hours.

He said the move will also affect his mum Brenda and brother Adrian, who run the Revels fishery and tackle shop and Revels bird centre.

Brendan Malone, 49, landlord of nearby pub Hunters Moon at Middlemarsh, also hit out at the closures.

He said: "I am mad as hell because they will close the road both ways outside the pub as cyclists do a loop round Glanvilles Wootton and I will lose out on hundreds of pounds in Sunday lunch trade.

"My business is being destroyed and my guests and I are barricaded in here - I will not block the road, but I can't let this happen every year."

But a Half Ironman Triathlon spokesman said anyone who did block the roads faced police action.

Ryan Bowd said: "We do not want Mr Fricker to do this because it would ruin the race - all we can do is hope that he doesn't.

"We are working very closely with the police and if there is a safety risk, we would have to ask for their help."

He said Mr Fricker was offered maps and signs to inform customers his business was open through the race.

He added that contrary to the signs, road closures will only be in one direction and will be lifted as the last athlete passes at 12.30pm. Marshals have also been briefed about diversion directions.