CYCLISTS throughout Dorset who are being denied a top training facility say it will impact on Britain's Olympic hopes for 2012.

Around 120 cyclists used to meet every week at Barnsfield Heath, Matchams - a Ministry of Defence vehicle testing site with a three mile asphalt circuit.

The site offered them the safety of no traffic and attracted top cyclists from all over the country - among them world record breaker Trevor Fenwick and Parolympic gold medallist Darren Kenny.

But the MOD says where access to its land has been established, it would only be withdrawn in the interest of security.

Local cyclist Phil Tucker said: "It seems crazy that when we're meant to be so pro sport and encouraging people into cycling, especially with the successful Olympic bid for 2012, that a good local facility such as this in a government institution has been taken away.

"Barnsfield Heath was used by highly competitive and aspirational young cyclists from the age of 17 to over 70.

"The MOD have got an obligation to local people. If they are going to control big chunks of land, what is the harm in having some cyclists use some of that land once a week?"

Now cyclists in the area resort to training on the road, that brings the unpredictability of motorists and means they miss out on mid-week racing.

Malcolm Green, a local cyclist, said: "Losing the Barnsfield Heath facility means that there is a hole in my week."

A spokesperson from the MOD said: "The site is used for live firing and this decision may have been made in the interests of safety in case of unexploded munitions. We would be happy to see if a compromise can be reached."

A spokesperson for Qinetiq,which manages the site for the MOD, said the decision to close the track was taken in consultation with cycling organisations.

The spokesman added that MOD land at Matchams is being developed for new uses, and that could bring jobs to the region.

First published: September 6, 2005