Come to London during the summers 2012, you can watch the challenging and thrilling road cycling events which are set to rev up the streets of London and Surrey. As per the popular legends, bicycle race originated in Paris in 1868, and a 19-year-old cyclist from Suffolk was the first one to win that race. Despite its humble beginnings, this enthusiastic sport has come a long way and attracts huge audience around the world. It made its debut in Olympics in 1896 with an 87 kilometres race that began and finished in Athens. It wouldn't be a surprise if the streets of London and Surrey are packed with passionate fans for 2012 London event. Though there were initial glitches, the cycling road events had been a permanent part of all games. Ensure you do not miss this sporting gala; set out to London and be a spectator of this iconic event.
Cycling Road Events In London 2012 Olympics
Road cycling Schedule
28 July 2012, Saturday
10:00 - 16:15
Competitions held will be Men's road race and men's road race victory ceremony.
29 July 2012 Sunday
12:00 - 16:15
Competitions held will be women's road race and women's road victory ceremony.
1 August 2012 Wednesday
12:30 - 16:25
Competitions held will be women's individual time trial and women's individual time trial victory ceremony.
Cycling Programme
London 2012 will have four events with 212 athletes for gold medal including 54 men and 67 women in 4 medal events. In time trial, 40 men and 25 women out of 212 athletes will compete.
Few Basics
The road cycling events in London Olympics will include two cycling competitions for men and women. The competition begins with all the competitors starting together and the first rider who crosses the finishing line wins the gold. The distance for the competition is 250 kilometres for men and 140 kilometres for men. For short time trial, which is 44 kilometres for men and 29 kilometres for women, the rider who has the fastest time over the course is the winner. The biggest requirements of a road cycling are great stamina, amazing strategy, and powerful acceleration.
Olympic Circuit
Both men and women's road cycling events begin on The Mall, after which the riders heading south-west through the city. Then, they cross the Putney Bridge and rides through Richmond Park and Hampton Court Palace. In the course, Surrey includes many challenging loops around Box Hill. Then, the riders head towards Leatherhead, Esher, Kingston, Richmond Park and then back to Mall for a finish. However, the time trial will start and end at Hampton court Palace in South West London. This includes areas like Richmond, Kingston-upon-Thames and Surrey. Both these events are held over a single lap with the differences in men's and women's courses replicate the distance.
Interesting Facts
Don't miss this road bike cycling event which is sure to enthral and rejuvenate you. Come on, fly to London and be the most fortunate to be a part of this wonderful sport event.
Schedule Of Road Cycling
- Clara Hughes of Canada is the one among four who have won medals both at summer Olympics and Winter Olympics. In Atlanta 1996, she won bronze in individual time trial while in 2002 in Salt Lake City, she won bronze in 500 m speed skating.
- The first Olympic Games road race occurred in 1896 in Athens in which only six riders' participated.
- The first bicycle was created by Comte de Sivrac, who is French in 1790. However, it was not functional as it lacked a steering system and pedals, made of wooden frames and solid wheels.
- Road cycling was not present as an Olympic event in 1900 in Paris, 1904 in St. Louis and in 1908 in London, though it has featured in very Olympics since 1912.
- More than 100 support vehicles will be present on the course during the Cycling Road events.
The road cycling events in London Olympics is all set to welcome its guests who are sure to flock the streets. With Nichole Cooke plans to defend her title and Mark Cavendish expected to be one among the favourites, the British support is guaranteed for what would be a thrilling and a memorable event.