Excitement's mounting as the six-year countdown to the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games begins.
The official opening of the Games will take place on 27 July 2012. Last night, teams of cyclists celebrated by creating a human link between three Olympic venues as they launched the new ‘Ride the Games’ cycle route.
What happened?
Teams of riders, including members of the army cadets and local police, rode the route carrying ‘torches’ on special flags.
After completing the route the riders headed off to Woolwich Barracks where they were met by local sports stars, councillors and the Army for a ceremonial raising of six flags.
Where does the route go?
The eight-mile (12.8 km) route links Greenwich’s three main Olympic venues:
- Royal Artillery Barracks
- Greenwich Park
- The O2 (formerly the Dome).
It also takes in many other features of the borough’s heritage, riverfront and open spaces along the way.
Get a free colour guide
A free full-colour guide to the route is available from the Greenwich Tourist Information Centre.
You can also get copies in local libraries and leisure centres or by calling 020 8921 6474.
Legacy for Londoners
Greenwich Council Leader Chris Roberts said, "There has rightly been a great deal of attention on the investment in new facilities and infrastructure that the 2012 London Games will attract for London, and the legacy that will be created for Londoners.
"In Greenwich we want to celebrate the fact that our Olympic venues – Greenwich Park, Woolwich Barracks and The O2 – are already here for all to see.
"The cycle route will help to do just that. It is also just the latest in our growing series of activities aimed at increasing participation in sport and physical activity over the next six years."
Find out more about the 2012 Games
Visit the official 2012 website
27 July 2006