THE first piece of London’s Olympic jigsaw has slotted into place with the grand opening of the £4.5 million Redbridge Cycle Centre.

Following Britain’s phenomenal success in Beijing, sporting officials hope the new 2km circuit and off-road trail in Hainault will help nurture new talent for when the games comes to the capital in 2012.

At the opening ceremony, government minister Kate Hoey, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Redbridge Council’s cabinet member for the Olympics Linda Huggett officially unveiled the centre, which is now available for both community and competitive use.

The council will now run and maintain the complex, which also includes a state-of-the-art gym, pavilion, function rooms and a cycling workshop, containing around 100 bikes available for public use.

The new centre was built by the London Development Agency (LDA) as a replacement for the old Eastway Cycle Circuit - and organisers hope the facility will form a key part of the Olympic’s legacy in the East End.

Cllr Huggett said: "I am delighted to have this first class cycling facility in our borough, which I hope will be used by all residents of all ages.

"This is the first piece of Olympic sporting legacy in London linked to the 2012 Games and we hope it takes cycling to a new level.

“Not only is it an excellent example of our commitment to healthy lifestyles but we hope it will help potential Olympians build on the success of the cyclists in Beijing and go on to win medals in London 2012.

“I would also like to say well done to our cycling GB team, they have had amazing success in Beijing and we are proud of them all."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson added: "The opening of the Redbridge Centre could not have happened at a better time - this being London's 'summer of cycling'.

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

Peter Rogers, Chief Executive of the London Development Agency, 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."

A host of events is now planned to celebrate its opening, with a free 'inspir8tion' carnival being held on Sunday August 24 from 11am till 7pm at the centre.

A council spokeswoman said: "The main attraction will be the Air Carnival which will be led by teams of masqueraders and cyclists from local schools and sports groups, dancers, youth theatres and musicians.

"Balloonatics, a balloon art street act, will decorate people with incredible hats, giant costumes and hilarious balloon toys which will have people laughing themselves in circles around the track."

Former cycling world champion Craig MacLean will also be there as the guest of honour.

Parking at the site is restricted, but free shuttle bus transfers will be available at the car park next to Gants Hill Library, the car Park at Fullwell Cross Roundabout, Fairlop Underground Station, Manford Way, Hainault and Hainault Recreation Ground, Elmbridge Road.