London-Surrey Cycle Classic

[benb]

Disappointed to see that while they say

"The London-Surrey Cycle Classic is a free event, and spectators are welcome to watch anywhere along the 140km route"

that the best bits of the route, such as the Box Hill Zigzag you are not welcome to watch unless you have a "wristband", information on how you might get a wristband being totally absent so presumably allocated by patronage.

So has anyone local got any good suggestions on where would be a good place to spectate on Box Hill that is open to the proletariat?

Box Hill route map here

I'm going to try and get a space near where the A24 has the 90° left hand bend, where Leatherhead Downs is on that map.
It's at the bottom of a long downhill, so should be some good speed reached.

What time do you think I would need to turn up to get a decent space? I've got no idea how popular this is likely to be.

 

[benb]

So I think a friend and I are going to try and get a spot around here somewhere.

Anyone else going to be in that area?

 

[WychwoodTrev]

Turns out I have been given 2 tickets/wristbands for the mall and 2 for boxhill. Cant decide where to watch now

 

[benb]

Turns out I have been given 2 tickets/wristbands for the mall and 2 for boxhill. Cant decide where to watch now

If you decide on The Mall, can I have your Box Hill ones?

 

[DuncanBeaumont]

Turns out I have been given 2 tickets/wristbands for the mall and 2 for boxhill. Cant decide where to watch now

So how did you get those? Were they handing them out in the pub? In the Borough of Elmbridge, the mayor was offered a wristband, which was declined.

What is the point of having a race that the public will want to watch at a point where the public are not permitted access?

 

[Will1985]

What is the point of having a race that the public will want to watch at a point where the public are not permitted access?

This is England....

 

[dellzeqq]

remember that Southern are celebrating the event by banning bikes from their trains that day

my suggestion - the inside of the left turn for Mickleham, or a little further up the hill - there's a pub on the right hand side

 

[DuncanBeaumont]

it is all about maintaining a balance between finding a half decent hill to try to make the race interesting, which is not easy in the immediate vicinity of London, and looking after the delicate ecosystem of a site of special scientific interest.

Plenty of half decent hills around doncha know? These are the North Downs, for Gawd's sake! Choose another hill!

So - when it actually comes to the Olympics, none but the favoured few are going to be able to watch the hill section of the race.

Are the cycling authorities protesting about this, or are they taking the attitude - I careth not for thee Jack. I have a wristband.

 

[benb]

Wonder how busy the Running Horses at Mickelham will be?

 

[lukesdad]

Wonder how busy the Running Horses at Mickelham will be?

Or the Burford Bridge for that matter ?

 

[WychwoodTrev]

So how did you get those? Were they handing them out in the pub?

One of my roofing product suppliers is a keen cyclist and is a member of the British Cycling Federation he applied for the tickets but then could not use them so offered them to me

 

[Adrian_K]

I'm planning on trying to get onto Staple Lane (I think it's the only hill of any note apart from Box Hill) and then sprint back to Kingston to see them twice.
All depends on how busy the roads are - I have absolutley no idea how popular this will be.

Adrain

 

[Paul_L]

is there any TV coverage of this?

 

[DuncanBeaumont]

As I live in Esher, that is where I will watch it. I have to rush orf for another engagement on Sunday in any case.

I still think the authorities should have chosen a more suitable hill for spectating. Who decides these things?

 

[Adrian_K]

is there any TV coverage of this?

I passed by box hill during the week and there was a huge crane/camera gantry so it's being recorded.
Nothing live on free to view, maybe something on Sky....the sky team are around, I've seen cars & riders on the course.