The world’s eyes will be on Kingston and Richmond on the opening weekend of the 2012 Olympic Games when the cycling road race passes through the boroughs.

British champion Mark Cavendish will be among the competitors who will start in the Mall in London and cycle through Richmond and Bushy parks.

The cyclists will pass Hampton Court Palace, go over Kingston Bridge and continue on to Walton and Weybridge before re-entering Richmond Park at Kingston Gate on their return to central London.

James Beaumont of Kingston Wheelers said: “This will be one of the rare sporting events to take place outside of a stadium or an official venue and for residents it is great to see the Games go beyond east London.

“As for encouraging cycling, it is a positive step. Mark Cavendish is a potential winner and success by the British team in their home Games would be a boost for coverage.”

Eileen Gray, a former mayor Kingston, pioneered women’s cycling in Britain and helped make it an Olympic event.