Bibby Stockholm 'like a prison' for Iranian pro cyclist

Mohammad Ganjkhanlou said his home country of Iran was unsafe

A professional cyclist who has applied for asylum in the UK has said the Bibby Stockholm barge would be like "prison" for him.

Mohammad Ganjkhanlou came to Glasgow to compete in the world championships, then applied for asylum because he felt his home country of Iran was unsafe.

He was put in a hotel in Reading by the Home Office and joined a local cycling club, but has now been told he is being moved to the boat in Portland, Dorset and will be unable to take his bike on board.

The Home Office said Mr Ganjkhanlou would be allowed to store his bike in a lock-up at the port and ride it elsewhere.

Mr Ganjkhanlou (right) said he had made friends at his local cycling club

Mr Ganjkhanlou said coming to the UK had saved his life, and he threw himself into the local cycling community.

"I find some people from Reading Cycling, and I find friends, I'm going to the race, and going to training with them," he said.

"I am feeling good here."

He said he had struggled to sleep since he received the letter on 26 April.

"When I go to the boat, I can't cycle anymore," he said.

"I'm not sure that is good for me."

Emma Clark Lam said people seeking asylum should be placed within communities

Mr Ganjkhanlou has appealed the decision with the support of the refugee charity Care4Calais, and his cycling club.

"We support him," said Michael Gray, road race secretary of Reading Cycling Club.

"We give him kit, we take him to races... the community as a whole really helps him out, making sure that he can fulfil his talent, and he's a good part of the community to have with all the advice he gives to everyone else."

Care4Calais volunteer Emma Clark Lam said Mr Ganjkhanlou was a "really good example" of the benefits of housing refugees as part of communities that can support them.

"He's enriched their lives," she said.

"The infrastructure is in Reading to support him."