MOUNTAIN bike enthusiasts got to experience Hadleigh's new cycle course weeks before the attraction opens to the public.

Active Essex and Hadleigh Mountain Bike Club, which runs the track at Hadleigh Country Park, handed out 200 golden tickets offering exclusive access to lucky riders over the Easter weekend.

The track, which was created for the London 2012 Olympics, has undergone a major revamp to become a top visitor attraction.

It now offers a variety of courses to make it accessible for cyclists of all ages and abilities – but the professional option still offers a tough ride for those brave enough to take it on.

Chris Hyde, chairman of Hadleigh Mountain Bike Club, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic.

“All the feedback I’ve heard from people has been brilliant. Quite a lot of people have said it is far more challenging than they expected, and quite a few had some fear over the weekend.

“But there is absolutely something for everyone.”

The golden ticket winners were drafted in in batches between Good Friday, April 3, and yesterday.

Steve Larkins, from Leigh, got a sneak preview of the mountain bike course alongside his girlfriend after bagging a ticket.

He said: “It is great to have a world-class facility on our doorstep and there are a few different routes for all abilities.

“My girlfriend hasn’t been mountain biking before and she got round the ‘easy’ course okay.”

Essex County Council revealed £6.8million proposals to transform the venue following the Olympic games.

A new building, at Sayers Farm, includes ranger facilities, a bike hire shop, visitor centre, cafe and changing rooms.

Contractors have created 18km of new trails through the park to try to improve access for walkers, runners and horse riders.

The cafe, being run by the Salvation Army, has now opened its doors and the rest of the attraction will officially be unveiled on Wednesday, April 29.

Jason Fergus, head of Active Essex, added: “We know people are getting very excited as we get close to the opening.

“We want to get those final elements right.

400,000 visitors expected

THE new mountain bike course at Hadleigh Country Park is expected to attract 400,000 visitors every year.

Plans to transform the site into a top attraction following the Olympic 2012 games divided opinion among residents.

Many welcomed the opportunities to ensure the town had an Olympic legacy, but people living in St Mary's Road, Benfleet, were against plans for permanent walking and cycling routes on the Benfleet Downs area of the park.

They raised concerns the attraction would lead to extra traffic, noise, and possible land slippage near their properties.

The eyes of the world were on Hadleigh on Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12, when the most talented male and female mountain bikers fought for bronze, silver, and gold medals.