Mayor of London, Boris Johnson,has officially opened the new £4.5m cycling centre in east London.

He was joined by Commissioner for Sport Kate Hoey and Sydney gold medallist Jason Quealy in trying out the state of the art centre which was built by the London Development Agency (LDA) for community and competition use.

The 2km circuit and off road trail is the first piece of physical sporting legacy in London linked to 2012 and replaces Eastway Cycle Circuit which is being turned into the VeloPark for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. After 2012 the VeloPark will return to community use meaning London will have two of the best cycling facilities in the country.

Mr Johnson said: "Cycling is a fantastic way to travel - it's good for the environment, it's good for the health and it's good for the wallet.

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"The opening of the Redbridge Centre could not have happened at a better time - this being London's 'summer of cycling'. One of my key ambitions as Mayor is to see London become a real cycling city by encouraging the estimated 1.1 million Londoners who own bikes but don't use them regularly to get back in the saddle.

"So now there's no excuse because not only is this superb facility the place to come to practice your cycling skills and if you don't own a bike they'll lend you one - just turn up and pedal."

Peter Rogers, Chief Executive of the LDA, said: "The LDA is committed to delivering an 2012 legacy now and I am delighted by the amount of interest we have already had from young people wanting to use this centre. We hope the medals in Beijing will have a similar effect on cycling that Wimbledon has on tennis participation and people will take advantage of this wonderful facility.

"Redbridge Cycle Circuit is an example of how the LDA is working with the boroughs to deliver lasting benefits to London.

"We have helped everyone to relocate from the Olympic Park site including Eastway Cycle Circuit which is being turned into the VeloPark. After the Games, it will go back into community use meaning London will have a new cycling centre."

(CD/NS)