The time trial route will begin at Hampton Court Palace and finish at Hampton Court Road, and take in sites such as Hampton Court Bridge, Claremont Gardens, Bushy Park and Kingston Bridge.

The men's route will be 44 kilometres and the women's will be 29km, and the single lap race will be free of charge, enabling thousands of members of the public to view the cyclists in action.

London 2012 and Surrey County Council stressed that disruption to public transport would be minimised and that local residents would be consulted throughout the planning for the event.

Announcing the route, London 2012's Director of Sport Debbie Jevans confirmed that the race would take place on Wednesday August 1, the fifth day of the Games.

The time trials see cyclists competing against the clock, as they set off at 90 second intervals to record the fastest time around the course.

Jevans told insidethegames: "It is extraordinarily lucky.

"It is an amazing opportunity to start and finish outside Hampton Court Palace which is steeped in history.

"Henry VIII had many events here from jousting to archery, so having the time trials here adds to what has gone before.

"Now we move onto the detailed planning, looking at every single aspect of the route and ensuring that people can get to and from work with closures minimised."

Denise Saliagopoulos, of Surrey County Council, said: "It is an event which people can come and see for free.

"Having the race here will be a massive boost for the economy of Surrey.

"It is an historic announcement in an historic setting."


One of Britain's main hopes, Alex Dowsett (pictured), told insidethegames: "It is an incredible setting for the start of the time trials.

"I have done a lot of time trials and this for sure beats anything else I have ever seen in terms of the setting.

"There is a very nice mixture of everything on the course from technical aspects such as the corners and climbs and then a few long straights as well.

"It is going to be a real all rounder's time trial which is very good for me, but selection is getting very difficult in cycling.

"In Beijing Team GB really showed what we can do and I think the rest of the world are still playing catch up.

"There is a level of expectation, but the athletes eventually selected can take that pressure and I thrive under it myself. I'll be going for a medal."

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February 2011: Exclusive - Hampton Court to be setting for Olympic cycling time trial in 2012