Bath University has missed out in the race to become the official training camp for the British Olympic team ahead of the 2012 Games.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) announced on Tuesday that it had chosen Aldershot Army base in Hampshire as its preferred location.

Leicestershire's prestigious Loughborough University had also been shortlisted by the BOA.

Aldershot Army base's close proximity to London, secure location and high-class facilities were the three main reasons why it prevailed over the two university campus sites.

A spokesman for Bath University said: "We are naturally disappointed not to have been chosen as the preparation base for the British team prior to the 2012 London Olympics.

Bath University spokesman: "We are naturally disappointed not to have been chosen as the preparation base for the British team prior to the 2012 London Olympics."

"We will, of course, continue to support the sports National Governing Bodies in the training and development of the many British athletes who use our fantastic facilities as they strive for podium places at the Games.

"The University of Bath campus has some of the best sporting and support facilities in the UK, all situated on one site. This will be of great appeal to other national Olympics committees currently seeking a training venue.

"Over the coming weeks we will explore the options that come forward to see how best we can contribute to making the London 2012 Olympics the best ever Games."

The Aldershot bid had the crucial support of the head of the BOA, Simon Clegg, who served as a major at Aldershot, and the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt.

Mr Clegg said: "After very careful deliberation over the past year our panel has concluded that Aldershot provides the very best package to meet the requirements of Team GB.

"In reaching this difficult decision we have taken into account a wide range of factors that experience has shown are likely to impact on performance and final preparation for the Games.”

He added: "We have been spoilt for choice in this process and any one of the short-listed sites offered us a better option than we have experienced at any previous Olympic Games

"This was a very difficult decision for the BOA but we were delighted to find ourselves in such an envious position."