A cyclist based in Reading has raised fears about his career after revealing he is at risk of being moved to the Bibby Stockholm Barge.
Mohammad Ganjkhanlou, 26, is a medal-winning sportsman who moved to the town eight months ago. He lives in hotel after fleeing his native Iran.
Since arriving, he has trained with the help of the Reading Cycling Club. But Mr Ganjkhanlou has been told by the Home Office that he will be moved to Bibby Stockholm Barge, used by Government as accommodation for asylum seekers.
It is moored at the isle of Portland near Weymouth, Dorset, more than 100 miles from Reading.
Mr Ganjkhanlou is unsure if his bike could be stored on the barge.
He told The Guardian: “The Reading cycling club are like family to me. Because I am an asylum seeker, I have to work my way back through the elite cycling system from the beginning and the club is helping me with this.
“If I can lock my bike up somewhere in Portland it would allow me to train on my own, but I will not have the chance to rebuild my career under the banner of Reading Cycling Club and race alongside my friends.”
Asylum seekers are being moved from hotels to the barge to reduce costs. A Home Office spokesperson said at no point has it been stated that Mr Ganjkhanlou would not be allowed to store his bike on the barge.
He is being supported by Michael Gray, the road race secretary of Reading Cycling Club, which has members who perform in road and circuit races.
Mr Gray, 35, from Earley, said: “He came to Reading eight months ago, he’s elite, performing at the highest level you can get.
“He was at the cycling world championships in Glasgow last year representing Iran.
“When he arrived he didn’t know anyone, so we made sure he could continue to race. I made sure he can get to races.”
He continued: “Mohammad has been racing exceptionally well over the past few months, we’ve made sure he has the kit and support to make sure he is successful and can fulfil his potential.
“That would be wasted if he was moved. There would be no way of him being able to do that there.”
The cycling club and asylum group Care4Calais are pushing for the Home Office to reverse its decision to relocate Mr Ganjkhanlou to the Bibby Stockholm.
Mr Gray said: “We’re appealing to simply let him stay at the hotel he’s at in Reading so he can keep his dreams alive.”
