Barnet Council has expressed 'bitter disappointment' at a decision to remove the North London borough from the 2012 Olympic road cycling routes.

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) had originally planned to include Hampstead and the Bishop's Avenue, Barnet, but has now altered the course due to feasibility issues. LOCOG said that alternative options failed to resolve 'fundamental challenges', although cabinet member for customer services and access at Barnet Council, Robert Rams, disagreed.

"I'm bitterly disappointed as this is blow to not only the borough, but more importantly its residents who have contributed financially to the Games and are now being denied the chance to be involved," said Rams. "I'm sure LOCOG could come up with an alternative route which would eliminate these problems and give our residents the chance to watch the best athletes from around the world compete in a Games which has been branded one for all Londoners."