The Olympic Flame will blaze a trail through Hammersmith & Fulham as it is carried through London on Thursday, July 26 2012 - the day before the Olympic Games'  Opening Ceremony.

The Flame will be carried all around the country for 70 days, before reaching a final day's circular journey around the centre of London, with Hammersmith and Fulham the final daytime destination before evening celebrations begin in Westminster.

This will be the start of a memorable weekend, with the Games starting one day later with the borough playing host to Olympic volleyball at Earls Court. The cycling road race will also pass through Fulham on July 28.

Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, says: " The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will catapult the capital into the centre of the sporting universe with billions of people from across the globe tuning in to watch the action.

" Here in Hammersmith & Fulham, we are proud to be a host venue and are looking forward immensely to the Torch passing through on July 26. The exact route will be announced closer to the time and we look forward to residents lining the streets and being a part of the action."

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG says: " ‘We are thrilled to confirm that Hammersmith & Fulham will act as a host location for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to people across the borough to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK.

" This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Hammersmith & Fulham to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games."

In the build up to the start of the Games, the Olympic Flame will make its journey from Greece and arrive in the UK on May 18 2012, ready for the Olympic Torch Relay to begin the following day.

Representing peace, unity and friendship, the Flame will start its 70 day journey around the UK towards the Stadium carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers.

The men's cycling race will take place on the Saturday July 28, and last for approximately six hours, with 145 riders competing over the 155 mile course. The women will compete on Sunday July 29, with 67 riders racing 87 miles over three and a half hours.

Both events will start on the Mall in central London and travel through Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea, before the competitors ride down Fulham Road and Fulham High Street and cross over Putney Bridge. The cyclists will then tour Wandsworth, Richmond upon Thames, and Kingston upon Thames – before heading into Surrey and then returning to central London, via Fulham, for the finish.

The races are likely to bring huge traffic disruption to the borough and the council will be working with Olympic organisers to ensure that all residents are prepared for the weekend.

For more information on the Olympics in Hammersmith & Fulham go here.

For details on the road race go here.

 

November 8, 2011