Cannock Chase to hold Commonwealth Games mountain biking should Birmingham win its bid

The UK's second city is vying with Liverpool to host the international sporting competition in five years time.

Several venues have been confirmed by the bid team - the vast majority within Birmingham - including Perry Barr's Alexander Stadium and Symphony Hall.

And the leaders of both Cannock Chase and Wolverhampton council have told the Express & Star that it has been agreed mountain biking would be held on the Chase.

Councillor George Adamson, Leader of Cannock Chase council, said: “As part of the bid there will be various locations and mountain biking on Cannock Chase is included in the bid.

“Biking is popular on the Chase so it is logical to hold that there. It is great news and we will be delighted if the bid is successful."

• MORE: What about us? Commonwealth Games bid leaves Black Country with 'crumbs'

• MORE: The Black Country venues ignored in Birmingham's Commonwealth Games bid

Bosses behind the bid would not confirm Cannock Chase as a venue for the Games.

Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council and Birmingham 2022 Steering Group chair, added they are in "a competitive process" and "will be making further announcements in the near future."

Later this month the British Cycling National Mountain Bike Cross-country Championships will be held on Cannock Chase.

Mark Swinnerton, who runs Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre on the Chase, said he would welcome the Commonwealth Games on the Chase but that work may need to be done ahead of such a high-profile competition.

He added: "They do hold some events here already on Forestry Commission land and a couple of years ago they bid to host a World Cup race here, but were unsuccessful.

"If the Games were to be here it would be fantastic news for the area - we haven't got many high-profile sports events in the county.

"Any events they do hold on the Chase they normally do it in a particular area. Ultimately this is a small area criss-crossed by roads so to create a controlled race area isn't an easy thing."

Should the Games bid be successful, Sandwell could host swimming and diving events at a proposed £24 million leisure centre.

But no events are planned for Wolverhampton, Walsall or Dudley.

It is not known exactly how much Birmingham’s bid is worth, but it is understood to be less than the £700m that rival city Liverpool is said to be spending.

The Games could result in a £390m economic windfall for Birmingham.