The announcement of a planned new major sports complex on Horspath Road is great news. The revelation that it includes building a cycling circuit track fills a significant geographical gap.

At present the nearest cycling circuit is in West London.

There are no local cycling facilities in Oxfordshire for the development of the sport and recreation and this especially hinders the safe development of cycling for young people in our area.

Currently there is a need to travel considerable distances by car in order to reach comparable facilities, or use the public roads.

Until a new cycling circuit is built cycling clubs in Oxford, including Zappi and Oxonian, continue to look for a supportive business or organisation who may be able to provide a large car-free tarmac space for cycle training.

TONY GRAY

British Cycling youth coach, Oxford