A weekend of food, drink, live music and family fun will entertain residents and visitors

On July 28 and 29, the Men's and Women's Cycle Road Races pass through Putney four times as athletes in both races cycle from The Mall to Box Hill and back again.

They take place during the first weekend of the Olympics, and the council is expecting a large number of spectators lining the route. Team GB has a chance of medals, and this will be one of the few Olympics events that will be unticketed and free to watch.

Spectators are advised to arrive at least three quarters of an hour before the race comes through and choose which side of the road they wish to view from, as pedestrian crossings will close in advance. The men's race is expected to come through Putney at around 10.10am, and again at 4.05pm. The women are due at around 12.10pm on Sunday, and again at 4.05pm.

The route will take them along the High Street, Upper Richmond Road and Priory Lane, which will all be closed from around 3am on Saturday morning. They will reopen around about mid-evening on Saturday before closing again around 5am on Sunday.

Activities for families will be available in Lacy Road and the Exchange Shopping Centre in Putney High Street on both days, including children's entertainment, food, music, large flat screen TV, a Radio Jackie roadshow, bouncy castle and fashion show.

There will be a large World Market in Church Square near Putney Bridge, plus live music and food and drink, and in nearby Putney Wharf activities will include face-painting and a barbecue. Many pubs and restaurants throughout Putney will show the whole cycle race live on large-screen plasma TVs.

The Duke's Head will be holding a barbecue on the Embankment, and the Methodist Church, Putney Arts Theatre and Rosslyn Park Rugby Club will be hosting family fun days in the Upper Richmond Road.

In Putney Library there will be a pop-up café, velodrome exhibition, live TV and health promotions.

You can see a full programme of events at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/putney/events. Shortform leaflet here.


Visitors are strongly advised to arrive by public transport, on foot or by bike. Plan your journey at http://www.getaheadofthegames.com.

Putney residents will be affected by road closures.

Find out more about how the Olympics affect Wandsworth, including information on the road races, the Olympic Route Network and useful links at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/olympics.

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