The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today announced the route for the Olympic Games Cycling Time Trial, which will start and finish at Hampton Court Palace in south west London.
The Time Trial is one of two Road Cycling events and will be contested individually against the clock over a distance of 44km for men and 29km for women. Riders set off at 90-second intervals. The races will happen on day five of the Olympic Games, on August 1, 2012. They will start on the driveway to Hampton Court Palace and finish outside the Palace grounds on Hampton Court Road.
Each race is contested over a single lap, which is slightly different for men and women. The different routes reflect the respective distances. The course goes through the London Borough of Richmond, the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, and Elmbridge Borough.
Former running star, Sebastian Coe, is the Chair of Olympic organizing committee. "Hampton Court Palace is a stunning venue that will showcase the area," he said. "We have worked closely with the UCI [International Cycling Union] and our partners to ensure that we have the best possible sporting course for the athletes and we are confident of spectacular races and worthy winners. Following Team GB's medal success in Beijing, the Road Cycling events really will bring the magic of the Games to life for many thousands of spectators."
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, was quite happy with the chosen route. "This is another great example of how we are bringing events to the outer boroughs of the city so that all Londoners can feel the buzz of the Games. From the 4,000-year old Bronze Age heritage of Bushy Park, to the Tudor magnificence of Hampton Court Palace, this is a beautiful part of the capital and one that is steeped in history."
UCI President Pat McQuaid gave his thumbs up for the route. "The UCI is very pleased with this Time Trial course for both men and women. It has a wonderful historical backdrop for the start and finish in Hampton Court Palace. The route covers some wonderful rolling Surrey countryside, which is both physically and technically demanding. This will ensure the Olympic medals are well merited."
The reigning time trial World Champion Emma Pooley would love to improve on her Olympic Time Trial silver medal at home. "It is interesting to now know the Time Trial course for London and I'm looking forward to training especially for it. Hampton Court Palace is a beautiful part of London and it will be a great event for spectators."
This announcement follows extensive consultation with the International Cycling Federation (UCI) and other stakeholders as well as all the relevant local authorities to find routes that will provide an outstanding experience for athletes and spectators. When combined with the Olympic Games Road Race passing through the area on the opening weekend of the Games, the addition of the Time Trial will provide a thrilling few days of Olympic Road Cycling with plenty of opportunities for people to line the route to support the riders.
The London organizing committee will carry out further detailed work with local authorities, residents and businesses to finalize all arrangements for the event.