2012 Cycle Race Sculpture (A24)

Now that the sun has finally come out, everyone is out making the most of the weather and checking out the Olympic Road Race circuit. One object that is causing a lot of interest is the new "2012 Cycle Race Sculpture" on the A24. The sculpture, by Heather Burrell, is located in the middle of the Denbies (Pixham Lane) Roundabout and will be passed by all the Olympic Cyclists on their journey along the A24, towards the foot of Box Hill.

Two cyclists pose beside the 2012 Cycle Race Sculpture (26th July 2012)

The sculpture was funded by Mole Valley District Council (£10,000), with the balance by sponsors, who paid £40 each for one of the 300 or so metal "leaves" which form the sculpture.

Designer Heather Burrell, speaking at the unveiling, said: "I am absolutely stunned. It's lovely to be here and share with you the experience of putting the sculpture together. I am so delighted that everyone bought a leaf and made it happen". The design was the result of a competition, with a committee comprising members of Surrey County Council and Mole Valley District Council members and officers, together with local residents and artists, selecting the winner.

Close up of the 2012 Cycle Road Race Sculpture, by Heather Burrell

The local Dorking Cycling Club, whose members helped sponsor the sculpture, are one group of many that got behind this community project. Being a permanent fixture, it will serve as an impressive reminder of the London 2012 Cycle Road Races for many years.

Let's hope that the Olympic cyclists get a chance to raise their heads, to appreciate the sculpture, as they go by!

Olympic Rings in the Sunshine!

No one in Dorking or the Mole Valley can be in any doubt that the Olympics are coming to Box Hill next weekend! This view of the rings, mounted Hollywood style near the view point on Box Hill, shows clearly across the Dorking Rooftops.

Coming into Dorking along the A25, from the Guildford direction, gives a fantastic view of the rings - sitting neatly between the avenue of green trees lining the A25. However, it's unlikely that the Olympic cyclists will see it as they will probably have their heads down, thinking about the impending Box Hill Loop that awaits them.

Olympic Torch travelling through Dorking

Olympic Torch in Dorking (Friday 20th July 2012)

To an enthusiastic reception, the Olympic Torch arrived in Dorking on its route through to Shere,Godalming and Guildford. Friday 20th July was the last day of its tour around the country, before touring the London Boroughs for the week leading up to the opening ceremony.

Next weekend,Dorking will again feature centre stage, as the London 2012 Road Race cyclists come though.

London 2012 Road Race - Will Box Hill be secure?

It seems that the G4S debacle continues...

Surrey Police are poised to provide cover for the two Olympic Road Race cycling events (28th 7 29th July), to cover Olympics security and safety around the Box Hill loop, after G4S failed to meet its obligations regarding the expected number of security staff.

Box Hill - Viewed from Denbies Vineyard

At the beginning of this week, fewer G4S staff than expected turned up at Box Hill, ahead of the cycling races on July 28th and 29th. Any Surrey Police Officers, anticipating days off and holidays, could well find themselves having to fill in.

A Surrey Police spokesman has reportedly stated that '...the force was aware of the G4S staffing situation and willing to help, but they are still unsure of what commitment will be required'.


G4S has issued a statement, saying that it had been faced with an "unprecedented and very complex security recruitment and deployment exercise being carried out to a very tight schedule".

Oh dear, so little time to plan...

Overview of the London 2012 Road Race Course

Got a spare 11 minutes or so? Watch this excellent short video, by David Harmon & Rob Hayles, giving commentary on the main parts of the whole London 2012 Olympic Road Race circuit from the (male) riders point of view...

 

The Box Hill Section

The Box Hill Section of the London 2012 Road Race will separate the men from the boys (and the women from the girls), so what does it look like from a cyclists point of view? Take a look below to see for yourself...


For those of us that live in Dorking, Box Hill is a magical place and with the forthcoming Olympic 2012 Cycling Road Race Events, it will certainly take on a new and exciting dimension.