Look East

Hadleigh Castle Country Park near Benfleet is being considered as a possible location for the event, which could pump millions of pounds into the local economy.

In February 2008 the original course approved for the event in 2004, Weald Country Park near Brentwood, was dismissed by the International Cycling Federation as too flat to challenge the competitors.

Experts say there needs to to be a height difference of at least 300 metres from the highest point of the course to the lowest.

The head of the official body for sport in Essex said she was hoping the event would be in the county.

Former Olympian, Angela Littlewood, of Sport Essex, said she was delighted Hadleigh Castle was in the frame.

The Olympic organisers are in negotiations with the owners of the park.