by Mary Graham

mgraham@thekmgroup.co.uk
It may look like a giant mud track, but this picture shows what is being billed as a first class cycling and running track.

The Cyclopark is being built alongside the A2, to the south of Gravesend.

When it opens next year, ahead of the Olympics, it is hoped it will become one of the leading sports centres in the south of England.

Activities will be offered to beginners right up to training to professional athletes and around 100,000 cyclists are expected to visit every year. Regional and national events can also be staged there.

The first aerial shot of the giant project led by Kent County Council shows the outline of the tracks emerging from the landscape.

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste Bryan Sweetland said: “Work started on the site in January and we are extremely pleased with the progress to date.

“You can see the shape of the 2.9km cycle circuit and the fantastic layout for BMX and mountain bike tracks.

“Further construction works will include the pavilion, a playground and a multi sports area set within a parkland landscape.

“When it opens next year ahead of the Olympics, Cyclopark will be a real asset for local cyclists and many from outside the county as well, helping bring in visitors and money to the area.”

Cyclopark is due to be completed in March 2012 and so far grant money totalling £8million has been secured for the project.