INEXPERIENCED mountain bikers risk putting themselves in serious danger by riding the Commonwealth Games cycling route, it has been claimed.

Officers for the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team fear cyclists will try to tackle the demanding course in the months leading up to the multi-sport event in July.

And that, they say, could lead to injuries and even death.

Over the past six months, there have been three reported mountain biking accidents, one of which threatens to end the career of an experienced rider.

Garry Rhodes, team leader of Bolton Mountain Rescue, referred to it as the "Wimbledon" effect.

He said: "We fear there are going to be many accidents over the next few months as people travel to Rivington to try out the track. It's like people playing tennis when Wimbledon is on.

"But the course is very challenging. The three recent accidents involved clued-up, experienced cyclists.

"When the route is published and as we get closer to the Commonwealth Games, we are sure many people will want to give the course a go."

He added: "If they do, we ask them to be careful and not to underestimate the difficulty of parts of the track."

One of the three injured riders suffered a serious leg fracture which has damaged his limb to such an extent, it is unlikely he will be able to cycle again.

Another biker fractured his arm. The third dislocated his shoulder.

Mr Rhodes said there were more mountain bike accidents, both serious and not so serious, in Rivington than many other similar areas such as North Wales.

"A lot of the problems stem from being on the doorstep of so many people who may decide they fancy a go," he said. "Sometimes we joke that there are more mountain bikers in Rivington than walkers.

"I want them to realise how rugged the terrain can be here."

dcrookes@boltoneveningnews.co.uk