Surrey is gearing up for the Olympics and getting ready for widespread road closures coming as part of the eagerly-anticipated cycling events.

Thousands of people will take in the spectacle and, with British cycling on a high, hopes will be high of an early start to the medal haul.

But the area will be severely affected by road closures so the advice is clear – plan well in advance to go about your daily business or get down there to enjoy it yourself.

A huge amount of work has been done to ensure Surrey is ready for the road race events on July 28 and 29 and the time trials on August 1.

Olympic co-ordinator at Surrey County Council (SCC) Helyn Clack said: “The test event was really useful for us and we learned a great deal from that. We’re expecting quite a lot of people because this is an unticketed event.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a really great event and that’s what we’re planning for but we need to make sure people are well prepared.”

Roads will be closed off from about 4am on the days of the races and SCC warned that the area would be a no-go zone as far as traffic is concerned.

Coun Clack said: “People need to work out how they will get there and how they will be able to enjoy the day.

“The route is quite clearly marked and stretches the whole breadth of Surrey from north to south. Other areas are organising events but this one takes in the whole county.

“People who want to go about their daily lives are going to find it difficult so they need to make sure they have everything well planned.”

For all the commotion the event will bring many benefits, SCC said, including raising the profile of Surrey with audiences across the world.

Coun Clack added: “It’s been a huge influence to the county for the past couple of years. It’s really raised the profile and increased economic growth because of the amount of business the Olympic interest has created.

“We have not done anything like this before and my team have worked incredibly hard to make it happen. Let’s hope Mark Cavendish brings home Britain’s first gold medal.”

The Olympic torch will head through Surrey on July 20. Details about road closures and the route can be found at gosurrey.info.