Britain’s best canoe sprint athletes now have world-class facilities to train in after Sports Minister Helen Grant opened a new elite centre for British Canoeing at Dorney Lake near Windsor in Berkshire.

The £679,000 Tim Brabants Elite Training Centre, was funded by Sport England, which has worked closely with elite sport experts from UK Sport and British Canoeing to give the athletes a world class, purpose-built training venue.

Prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games, British Canoeing’s main training venue lacked a suitable indoor facility, which fell well below the standard required to support elite athletes aiming for Olympic success. The new facility offers a vastly improved environment for athletes preparing for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and beyond.

The new elite training centre features male and female changing and showers, disability changing and showers, a warm-up area, athlete rest and recovery area, a coach feedback area, coach work area, kitchens, a medical treatment room and a meeting rooms. Previous facilities had operated out of a portacabin, which had served as both a changing and meeting area.

“It is vital that we leave no-stone unturned to give our athletes the best chances of success in Brazil and this world-class facility will help them be on top of their game when they reach the start line,” said Grant. “With investment from Sport England, working alongside UK Sport, this facility will also leave a great legacy for canoeing in this country."