The National Trust and LOCOG security had to shut Box Hill today after some leisure cyclists verbally abused security guards who had tried to stop them riding down the road.
A one-way system was enforced in the morning so that national teams and local cyclists could enjoy riding up the road, free of all traffic except some service vehicles working on the venue. But just after midday the road was closed completely leaving Tom Boonen and Philippe Gilbert stuck at the bottom having only ridden a couple of laps.
"It's a shame because it was a really nice atmosphere, but a few wouldn't abide by the rules," National Trust countryside manager for Box Hill, Andy Wright explained.
"There were some that turned around before the visitor centre and shouted abuse at the security guys, and gave them the 'v' sign as they rode off. They were going down at some speed, and there were a lot of logistical vehicles around, it was a health and safety judgement in the end. It was an accident waiting to happen."
Box Hill had been scheduled to be shut completely from today until July 30. "We wanted to open it up as we'd like everyone to come and enjoy Box Hill. We do like cyclists here and we're not going to let half a dozen sour our opinion," said Wright
Several teams rode the 15.5km Box Hill loop yesterday, and although it was quieter this morning, a few teams still arrived to check out the hill and enjoy the sunshine that has finally arrived in the UK. The Belgian team had driven out from Stratford as they are staying in the Olympic village, while the Dutch team are staying in the Burford Bridge hotel - at the bottom of Box Hill.
Canadian and Irish riders were spotted, while the American team were seen on Staple lane, a climb on the route before the Box Hill loop.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Wright said that they were hoping to re-open Box Hill for cyclists riding up the hill, but that any decision would be made after meeting with the security team.
>>>Download your free Olympic road race map here
Soon after the route was announced, LOCOG said that painting on the road would not be allowed, but the National Trust has a softer line. "We don't want to be po-faced about it," Wright said. "It's part and parcel of races like the Tour de France and I think it adds to the atmosphere. I'd prefer it was in chalk rather than paint, but we will never be an Olympic venue again, so lets celebrate it."
Most of the road road painting that has gone up lacks imagination (and someone has written 'Great Brittain'), but there is one good piece of graffiti - a Manx Missile
Wright also dismissed rumours that the road would be resurfaced after the race. "That road cost us a lot, we're certainly not going to get rid of it. Although the speed bumps will go back in, like for like, at the end of August."
Related links
Boonen and Gilbert train on Box Hill Olympic circuit
London 2012 men's road race start listVideo and map of Box Hill Olympic circuit
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Editor of Cycling Weekly magazine, Simon has been working at the title since 2001. He fell in love with cycling 1989 when watching the Tour de France on Channel 4, started racing in 1995 and in 2000 he spent one season racing in Belgium. During his time at CW (and Cycle Sport magazine) he has written product reviews, fitness features, pro interviews, race coverage and news. He has covered the Tour de France more times than he can remember along with two Olympic Games and many other international and UK domestic races. He became the 130-year-old magazine's 13th editor in 2015.
Forget distance covered, these are the key stats to note in your Strava Year in Sport
'She should show a bit more respect' - Lotte Kopecky responds to Demi Vollering comments
