Tour de France heroes Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish will take to the streets of south London and Surrey tomorrow for the Olympic cycling road race.
The trio, fresh from success in the flagship race, are expected to draw huge crowds as they make their way around the streets - and anyone travelling in the area is being warned to expect delays and disruption to travel plans.
Transport for London (TfL) and London 2012 have issued the following advice to spectators to ensure people enjoy the best possible Games-time experience:
Advice to Spectators:
• The London 2012 road events offer a great opportunity for many to see Olympic and Paralympic sport and very large crowds are expected to attend;
• If you are planning to attend a London 2012 road event, please arrive early, be prepared to wait for several hours and think carefully about bringing small children;
• Pack food and water, sun cream or waterproof clothing, depending on the weather;
• Think about the best viewing option for you, your friends and family. For some, it may be better to view the event at one of the many Live Sites across the UK or on TV at home, with friends, at a pub or local community centre;
• For the London’s 2012 Road Cycle Races on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July in particular, try to ‘stay local’ and enjoy the events as they pass through your local community;
• Have a back-up plan. If it gets really busy, you might want to enjoy one of the wealth of free events, cultural and entertainment opportunities on offer across the UK and during London’s summer like no other. Find out what’s happening and sign up for updates at www.molpresents.com and download the London 2012 ‘Join In’ app;
• If you are intending to travel – plan ahead. Go to www.GetAheadoftheGames.com which has all the tools and information you need about London 2012 road events and how to plan your journey.
TfL also repeated its advice to motorists and urged those in London 2012 road event areas not to get caught out by the road closures necessary to stage the events.
Advice to Motorists:
• Motorists are advised to avoid central London, around the ORN, venues and the London 2012 road event courses, including Box Hill in Surrey;
• Don’t get caught out – you will not be able to cross the race route by road;
• On London 2012 road event days road closures will be in place from early morning;
• Instead, please use public transport, cycle or walk.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "London’s transformation into a massive sporting and cultural venue is complete and Londoner Bradley Wiggins and our Team GB cycling heroes are going for the first gold of the Games.
"The Olympic road events offer a great opportunity to see some of the world’s top athletes in competition and to experience the numerous other attractions London has to offer.
"Given the huge numbers of people who will be in London for the Games, it is really important that people follow our travel advice and plan ahead.
"If possible, it would be best to stay local to view the London 2012 road events.
"If you do plan to travel to view the road events, avoid driving, take public transport, walk or cycle and visit GetAheadoftheGames.com to plan your journey."
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