British canoers impressed by new Olympic canoe centre

THE British canoe slalom squad dipped their toes in the water of the 2012 course for the first time on Monday.

CONSTRUCTION SITE: British canoers are impressed with progress of new centre for London Olympics (British Canoe Union/Lee Valley Park)

The Olympic Delivery Authority began construction of the Broxbourne White Water Canoe Centre in Lee Valley in July this year.  The venue is set to open for training in spring 2011.

And medal hope Lizzie Neave admitted the visit had given her goosebumps at the thought of training for 2012.

"It is incredibly motivating to know the site will be open for us to train at from Spring 2011," said Neave, who picked up her first major championships medals with team gold and individual bronze at September's World Championships in Spain.

"My bronze at the worlds was the perfect inspiration to drive my commitment for 2012 and to have a brand new home venue is something we're all excited about.

"Hopefully we can achieve fantastic results here."

British canoeing performance director John Anderson was equally impressed and said: "It's fantastic to have a white water course like this near London.

"The team will train here as much as possible in the build up to the Olympics.  Hopefully it will give us a home advantage."

The centre will be owned, funded and managed by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority before and after the Games and they have promised the venue will be accessible to the public as well as elite athletes when it opens its doors.