The Rise and Fall of Hadleigh Park

Olympic Glory

In 2012, Hadleigh Park was thrust into the international spotlight as the venue for the Olympic mountain biking events. The track was renowned for its challenging features and technical sections, attracting elite riders from around the world. It was a jewel in the British MTB race circuit, celebrated for its innovative design and stunning estuary views.

After the games, it was heralded as a legacy with a 5km red track incorporating 6 optional technical black features. There was also the blue option at Hadleigh Park, 4km long which shared many of the same sections as the red. There was also an all-ability track, a pump track and a skills area. The whole set-up had great facilities with toilets, a large car park, cafe, bike hire and shop etc.

Decline in Maintenance

Since the Olympics, however, the track has suffered from neglect. Riders consistently report that the trails are overgrown and unkept. The surface, once a reliable all-weather track, is now characterized by loose gravel and deteriorating features. One rider observed, "The trails are being reclaimed by the surrounding undergrowth which leaves you stung, scratched, and cut by the overhanging brambles" highlighting the urgent need for repairs.

Additional rider quotes illustrate the severity of the situation "The rock garden is starting to fall apart and the final descent is overgrown. So at least 50% of the features put in for the Olympics are now un-rideable".

Management and Investment Issues

A significant portion of the criticism is directed at the local council for failing to maintain the track and preserve its legacy. Comments like "No money being spent, and more places elsewhere opening up" reflect widespread frustration. Despite offers from local clubs to assist with maintenance, bureaucratic hurdles have stymied these efforts, leaving many features closed for years.

Rider Feedback: A Call for Action

Positive Aspects

Despite the challenges, riders still recognize the park's potential. The on-site facilities, including a café and bike shop, receive praise for their quality and service. The community atmosphere remains strong, with one rider noting, "Such a fantastic venue away from the hustle & bustle of vehicle traffic."

Areas for Improvement

Trail Maintenance: The most urgent need is for comprehensive maintenance to restore the trails to a safe and enjoyable condition. Riders have called for the use of professional trail builders to ensure lasting improvements.
Investment and Management: There is a clear demand for increased investment and better management practices. As one review put it, "Hadleigh MTB track has a million-pound potential, but only has a pound’s worth of investment."
Reopening Features: Many iconic features remain closed, and their reopening is a priority for riders. These features are not only part of the park's Olympic legacy but also crucial for attracting both local and visiting riders.

"The tragedy of this story is that the council have acted in such bad faith, with key features closed for years now, making it unrideable as a complete track.

Hadleigh Mountain Bike Club, which was also set up as a legacy of the 2012 games, used to put thousands of volunteer hours into the track each year to help maintain it, but have become so frustrated with the council that they've withdrawn their labour.

Hadleigh represents a microcosm of the situation facing mountain bike trails across the UK, where there has been relatively large amounts of historic initial capital spending, but with little to no money set aside for ongoing maintenance or revision of the trails to keep them relevant. Volunteer groups are prepared to do a lot of this work for free, but the public sector needs to adapt to accommodate working with them, otherwise, all of that capital spend will be wasted".

— Robin Grant, Chair, UK MTB Trail Alliance

Conclusion

Hadleigh Park MTB track stands at a crossroads. While it currently ranks last in our Trail of the Year, Top Trails of 2024 campaign, the feedback from riders underscores a deep-seated belief in its potential. With the right investment and management, Hadleigh Park could once again become a premier destination for mountain biking, honouring its Olympic legacy and serving as a vibrant community hub. The time for action is now, and the mountain biking community eagerly awaits the revival of this iconic venue.