Crowds Gather to Watch the Cycling Road Race

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Fulham roads closed on both Saturday and Sunday

Crowds have gathered along Fulham Road and Fulham Palace on Saturday morning to watch the outward section of the Olympic Cycling Road Race.

The 156 mile long race began at The Mall at 10am then followed a route through Chelsea and the down Fulham Road and Fulham High Street to Putney Bridge.

From there they are going through Surrey to Dorking and then several times around Box Hill, then follow the same route back, cycling east along Fulham Road towards the Mall finishing line.

The cyclists are expected to return to Fulham around 3.15pm - 3.30pm on the return leg.

Among the cyclists are Britain's Tour de France hero Bradley Wiggins. The 32-year-old Londoner is competing alongside last year's Road World Champion Mark Cavendish MBE, Chris Froome, Ian Stannard, David Millar and 142 other competitors.

On Sunday July 28, it will be the turn of the ladies with 67 women taking part in an 87 mile race. The GB competitors are Nicole Cooke, Lizzie Armistead, Emma Pooley and Lucy Martin. The women are expected to reach Fulham Road bettwen 11.30am and noon and then around 3,15pm - 3.30pm, though of course these times are not guarenteed and the return racers are expected to be more spread out.

Those who want to watch the race can watch it on a giant screen at a special event in Bishop's Park.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council says that on Saturday July 28, road closures in the borough will begin at 3am with roads reopening after the race, as soon as it is safe to do so.

On July 29, roads will be closed from 5am and will reopen as soon as possible.

The majority of the safety barriers required for the race were installed on Wednesday July 25 on both sides of the road. Pedestrian crossings and kerbside loading and parking facilities will be maintained with the rest of the barriers installed and completed on the morning of the races.

The council says residents and businesses should ensure they plan essential journeys by vehicle in advance. Pedestrian and cyclists will be able to cross the route when it is safe to do so at specific crossing points.

For advice about travelling during the Olympics, visit Get Ahead of the Games.

 

 

July 28, 2012