The atmosphere and accessibility at the most crucial point in the Olympic road race course will be dramatically increased following today’s news that the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has ramped up the number of spectators who will be able to watch the event at Box Hill in July.
The Olympic test event held last August was limited to just 3,500 spectators on the climb, but it has now been announced that a total of up to 15,000 tickets will be given out for that area the road race events. The men’s race will be on July 28th while the women’s road race will take place one day later.
Box Hill’s Zig Zag Road is the toughest part of the Olympic circuit, and those seeking to prevent a bunch sprint will be determined to break things up on the steep climb. Sprinters such as Britain’s Mark Cavendish (pictured), who is seeking to complete a unique Olympic road race/world championship double in front of home fans, will aim to remain in contact with the explosive riders there.
The male riders will take in nine ascents of the climb, while the women will scale Box Hill twice. The total lap distance is 15.5 kilometres. The men’s road race will be 250 kilometres in all, while the women’s will be 140.
Today’s news will come as a huge relief to those intending to attend the race. Had places been limited to 3,500, it would have made it difficult to gain access and forced spectators to watch the event at other points.
Amongst the previous concerns were that wildlife in the area would be disrupted by the crowds. However today it has been confirmed that LOCOG will work with the land owners National Trust plus landscape and wildlife advisers Natural England to minimise any problems.
Next week the National Trust will begin clearing scrub along the Zig Zag road.
According to Andy Wright, the National Trust Countryside Manager for Box Hill, this operation should actually boost the benefit to nature.
“The scrub alongside the road has very few species living in it so when we remove it, it doesn't matter if people walk in those areas,” he said. “Gradually, over the years, that land will turn into chalk grassland which is a much richer habitat - supporting around 60 to 100 species of plants, animals and insects per square metre.”
It’s a positive side effect for the nature reserve and, of course, also for the spectators. “It's great news that so many people will be able to enjoy the races in this wonderful natural setting,” he continued.
It has also been confirmed that a fibre optic cable will be laid in March to the top of Box Hill, thus boosting communication, broadcasting and timing during the road races. The road will be resurfaced in April.
It is not immediately clear if there will be a charge for the tickets for that area of the circuit. VeloNation contacted LOCOG today to determine if there will be any cost, and is still awaiting clarification. It has not yet indicated to the public when tickets will be available, but said simply that the plans would be released ‘in due course.’ The precise numbers of tickets will also be determined then.
Roadcycling cycling events are traditionally free, but charges apply for track competitions and many other non-cycling events at the Olympics.