Road closures will leave North Kingston landlocked when world-class cyclists test the Olympic road race course next month.

The London Surrey Classic Race will see 148 athletes spend a fleeting four minutes in the borough, when they ride over Kingston Bridge at about 11.50am on route to Richmond Park on Sunday, August 14.

Transport for London (TfL) urged residents to plan ahead for any journeys they needed to make on the day as it prepared the biggest road closure it has ever attempted.

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said: “This is really not the day to try to drive across south-west London.

"If you must drive in that area the likelihood is you will get stuck somewhere.”

The route between Hampton Court and Kingston Gate will be closed between 6am and 3pm, while all parking bays on the course and some on bus routes will be suspended between 8pm on Saturday until 5pm on Sunday.

The event will be the only chance for top cyclists – many coming straight from the Tour de France – to try the 140km (86.9 mile) course under race conditions. Hugh Scantlebury, chairman of the Canbury and Riverside Association, said: “I am not sure people realise the effect at this stage.

“I would hope people would see it in a positive light and as an opportunity to see a major sporting activity for free” Major town centre retailers will open between noon and 6pm on the day, and are receiving advice to help with their deliveries and getting key staff into work.

Shoppers and spectatorshave been advised to use trains or walk, and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Liz Ellis, marketing executive of Kingson First, said: “In essence, Kingston is open for business as unusual.

“We think the Olympic Games are a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful town on a global stage.”

James Beaumont, of Kingston Wheelers, said: “If the London 2012 bike races are to be a success this is an important dress rehearsal.

“I can well appreciate the disruption and inconvenience on Sunday, August 14, but it is important for the organisers and police to get things right before the Olympic road races in a year’s time.

“This year’s race will have fewer riders and a shorter route than the one planned for 2012.

It is a much smaller affair.

“It is one of only three races in Britain to have an international status from cycling’s governing body and it is not every day such a big sporting event comes to Surrey.”