Surrey set for Olympic cycling test event

World class cycling comes to Surrey this weekend with the London-Surrey Classic, part of the London Prepares series test events, set to take place.

The event on Sunday (August 14) will replicate the London 2012 Cycle Road Race, which will take the same route at next year's Olympic Games.

Over 100 of the world’s best cyclists will take part in the 140km long event, including Mark Cavendish, the first Briton to win the green jersey as the best sprinter at this year's Tour de France.

The race is one of only three UCI road events taking place in the UK in 2011, and will showcase the sport of cycling to London and Surrey-based fans for free.

The race starts and finishes at The Mall in London and runs through five Surrey boroughs, passing through or near towns, including: Walton, Weybridge, Byfleet, West Byfleet, Pyrford, West Horsley, Gomshall, Dorking, Leatherhead, Oxshott, Esher, East and West Molesey, as well as lapping Box Hill a number of times.

London 2012 Chairman Lord Coe said: "This is going to be a fantastic race. Our course, with its interesting route and impressive technical elements, has attracted the best nations and pro cycling teams in the world.

Households and businesses located on or within 100 metres of the route have already been contacted by Surrey County Council to inform them of the closures and parking restrictions. Spectators will be able to watch the race next to the track in the villages.

The cyclists will cross Hampton Court Bridge into Surrey at 9.30am on race day before pedalling their way through Walton at 9.45am to Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford, before reaching Ripley at 10.05am.

The riders should get to Box Hill at 10.40am where they will complete two laps before passing through Leatherhead and Esher then crossing back over Hampton Court Bridge at 11.50am and back to the finish line at the Mall.

The Olympic Road Race will cover 250km for men and 140km for women and will be held on July 28 and 29 next year.

For more information or to find out where you can watch the race near you visit the London Prepares Series website.