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SW ideal for off-road cycling


28 July 2008

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An innovative project is set to position the south west as the very best off-road cycling and mountain biking destination in the UK.

Thanks to funding from Sport England, the south west now has a dedicated off-road cycling development co-ordinator tasked to maximise the regions potential for this fast growing activity.

Paul Hawkins joined the Forestry Commission (lead project partner), this week from Exmoor National Park, where he was the recreation manager for eight years.

Commenting on his new role Paul said: "I am really excited to be part of such a forward thinking and exciting project. The south west has everything needed to be the ideal destination for off-road cycling. It has the perfect landscape and scenery along with robust areas of plantation woodland, which offer world class riding potential. We will be developing a number of key sites across the region, both on private and public land, for rides at all abilities. The sport is becoming increasingly popular with both local residents and visitors and can be enjoyed whatever the weather, which offers the region a great opportunity to increase tourism all year round."

Jim Clarke, regional director for Sport England South West commented: "Paul's experience and knowledge will help to maximise the regions delivery of off-road cycling and mountain biking activities and we are pleased to support the Forestry Commission by providing funding for this dedicated position."

The Forestry Commission is working with a number of key partners on the project including South West Tourism, Devon County Council, the International Mountain Biking Association, CTC - UK's National Cyclists Organisation, South West Protected Landscapes Forum, Active Devon and South West Woodland Renaissance. The project is set to run for four years and will be attracting a wide range of funding programmes to deliver the new trails.

-ENDS-

For more information, contact:
Kirstie Smith
Forestry Commission (Peninsula Forest District)
Exeter
Tel: 01392 834249
Email: kirstie.smith@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to editors:
Sport England is a non-departmental public body and National Lottery distributor. We are committed to creating a world leading community sports development system and increasing participation in sport. Sport England has been a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields since August 1996. We object to any application that is detrimental to sport, unless alternative provision of at least equivalent value is found elsewhere. For further information on Sport England South West, please log on to: http://www.sportengland.org/southwest

Issued on Behalf of:
Sport England South West, Ashlands House, Ashlands, Crewkerne, TA18 7LQ
Tel: 01460 73491 Fax: 01460 77263

Media Enquiries to:
Jo Scholz at Golley Slater PR, Castlemead, Lower Castle Street, Bristol, BS1 3AG
Tel: 0117 917 5170 Fax: 0117 917 5129 Email: jscholz@golleyslater.co.uk

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