I think it's shortsighted of them to hold the Olympics in Essex. Global spectators should see the best of British trails. I see no problem of holding it in South Wales or Scotland. These areas are more needing of the cash injection this event would provide. Also it seems stupid to claim that it's too far from the olympic village when Hon Kong is over 1000 miles from Beijing.

although fort bill is with out doubt the best venue it is to far north,we need a venue which is similar.you have the 7 stanes,again to far ,kendal and the lakes,to far,yorkshire dales? to remote,wales good trails good access again to far.cannock chase would be a good choice,it is a growing venue and with a cash injection it would be able to build more trails .just think a great venue in the heart of England which could come close to matching wales ,but only if the money is spent on it. then you would be left with a legacy WORTH RIDING .I live in the highlands so I`m spoilt for places to ride.it is about time england had a dedicated (world class venue) and that ain`t going to happen down south.

Hadleigh Castlle did host the most fantastic Moto Cross (Scrambling) in the late 1960s and 1970s - not around the castle but on the Salvation Army ground. These events were televised and were a great adventure the curcuit would be fine for the event. BUT - access is now very restricted and the ground has returned to farming use - it does not belong to Essex CC. Its a no no - let them race in Afan.

One thing to consider is that most Olympics have not had mountainous courses due to the proximity to the host city. Athens had climbing but many riders chose to ride 29" wheels which must tell you something (Cross course)?

In fact big hills don't always make for good courses, The Commonwealth Games at Manchester was a good case. Effectively one big climb and one big descent each lap, so a good climber has an advantage even if they are not a good all-rounder. An undulating, flowing course is better and I believe that Epping Forest could give that.

OK there are other factors, Essex County Council would like a legacy course left behind (if not the infrastructure, grandstands etc which are planned to be temporary in any case) but the Corporation of London who actually own the forest would not. Of course a decent course in the forest would have to cross roads, horse rides, paths etc. Not a problem for a one off event but certainly for a permanent legacy. Mind you there are virtually no public rights of way in forest (widespread public access in the forest is allowed by completely different legislation) so none of the usual problems with not being able to race on bridleways!

Let's not forget that the racers are actually a small consideration at a major games. The logistics of tens of thousands of spectators is a major one. At Manchester they had an estimated 57,000 on a week day. I believe the MTB races in 2012 are due to be at the weekend!!!

Hadleigh Downs? Hmmm... 50,000 plus gaining access through a housing estate, now that could be fun!

That would also be an issue for going somewhere like Fort William. It's possible that only the committted would bother making the trip so it could be a bit of a side show and a flop at that. Or if they did turn up in their thousands, could Fort Bill cope? The Worlds last year pushed accomodation, transport etc to the limit.

It would nice if someone would just make a decision and be done with it.

I grew up and in Essex and lived there for 25 years. There is nowhere with that sort of terrain in Essex. I think langdon hills is the highest point in essex and whilst it was a challenge on my raleigh striker when I was 7 (sometimes had to walk the last bit if I had had too many weetabix), It's not going to cause world class cross country riders much of a challenge.

Possibly more importantly it's not as though Essex County Council were actively supporting mountain biking before this oppurtunity. Give it to an area that deserves it. South Wales needs the economic boost. They don't live on the doorstep of the richest city in the world. They have made mountain a key element of their tourist industry. So when people see it from other countries they may actually travel to ride there. They have supported our community along with the forrestry commision and so deserve it! They have had a rough time of it recently with the problems in Mysteg (not sure of the spelling) and all that that involved. Let them have the investment!

The only common sense and decent thing to do.