A YOUNG entrepreneur hopes to capitalise on the Olympic mountain biking event a Hadleigh by opening a bike shop nearby.

Sam Mashford, 25, of Hazel Close, Hadleigh, is a plumber by trade, but is converting a former financial services office, in London Road, ready for an influx of cyclists from near and far.

His new shop, Velo Virtuoso, is opening in the former Crawford Scott offices, which closed over six months ago.

Mr Mashford hopes to pick up business during the Games and for years afterwards, since Essex County Council plans to keep the London 2012 track at Hadleigh Farm as a public cycling course, with bike hire facilities after the Olympic events on August 11 and 12.

Mountain bike enthusiasts will be able to buy bikes, helmets, clothing, pumps and accessories from May 26. Mr Mashford said: “It has long been an ambition to open my own shop.

“There is a real demand for bike shops in the area, as it is quite popular here, especially with what’s going on with the Olympics. It’s an exciting time to come to Hadleigh.

“I’m looking forward to the launch, but I was a bit nervous. In this economic climate, opening a business is difficult and a worry.

“You have to really bring something to a high street which people want and need.

“This certainly would not have been possible without the help and support of my family.”

The area already has several bike shops, including Cycle Warehouse in London Road, Hadleigh.

However, mountain biker Luke Farey, 39, of Silversea Drive, Westcliff, welcomed news of the new business.

He said: “I think is really good idea, especially if they supply proper mountain biking gear.

“It’ll be good for the area, because mountain biking is growing massively across the whole of the UK and I’m sure the Olympics will make it very popular in Hadleigh.

“I’m really looking forward to using the Olympic track once it’s all finished.”

The county council’s post-Games plans for the Hadleigh venue include building a community centre with a cafe, changing rooms and toilets, and adding new footpaths and bridleways in the park.

The course itself will be split into two tracks – one for beginners and and one for more experienced riders. Lessons will be available.

About 100 local mountain bikers have already put their names down to join a new club to help people of all ages enjoy the track at Hadleigh A planning application for the post-Games changes is expected to be submitted to Castle Point Council in the next few weeks.