According to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), based on the newly established route for the 2012 Olympic road cycling events, up to 15,000 spectators may be able to enjoy the best views of the world’s top cyclists in action during the London Olympics, whereas the original route would have allowed only 3,500 people to secure advantageous positions to watch the road cycling races.
Since the Olympic cycling test event held last August in Surrey, in southeastern England, and after more than five months of effort, LOCOG has worked with relevant parties to design a new race route around the Zig Zag Hill and the wooded areas near Box Hill. This allows more spectators to easily and clearly view the athletes during the competition. In the men’s road race, cyclists will complete nine laps around Box Hill, while the women’s race will cover two laps. Spectators will need to present tickets to enter the area, ensuring fairness as well as site security.
Since the Olympic cycling test event held last August in Surrey, in southeastern England, and after more than five months of effort, LOCOG has worked with relevant parties to design a new race route around the Zig Zag Hill and the wooded areas near Box Hill. This allows more spectators to easily and clearly view the athletes during the competition. In the men’s road race, cyclists will complete nine laps around Box Hill, while the women’s race will cover two laps. Spectators will need to present tickets to enter the area, ensuring fairness as well as site security.
However, the exact number of spectators who will eventually be able to enter and enjoy the best views remains to be finalized by the organizing committee. Currently, the committee is awaiting a health and safety report on the site, which will be provided after relevant land clearance work is completed.
Meanwhile, LOCOG is also discussing with landowners and their advisors, Natural England, on how to effectively protect wildlife in the areas surrounding the Olympic venues during the Games.
It is reported that the entire Olympic road cycling route will pass through six London boroughs, four Royal Parks, and the outskirts of Surrey. Spectators can also watch the competitions for free from any point along the 120-kilometer course.
