Last week it was officially confirmed that Olympic triathlon and marathon swimmers will compete in the Serpentine in Hyde Park, following planning permission being granted by Westminster City Council.
The plans were submitted by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and include capacity for 3000 spectators and a pontoon on the lake.
The triathlon event will start with a 1,500m swim (one lap of the Serpentine) from the pontoon, which will be situated on the north side of the lake. Athletes will then start the 40km cycle race out of the park through Queen Mother's Gate, through Wellington Arch, down Constitutional Hill, turning on to Birdcage Walk and then ending in front of Buckingham Palace. Before reaching the triathlon finishing line, the athletes must complete a 10km, four lap run around the Serpentine.
Three thousand tickets will be on sale for the triathlon but those without them can still watch from vantage points in Hyde Park, along the Serpentine and surrounding area.
Committee chairman Cllr Alastair Moss said: “We are delighted to be part of what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable spectacle and are looking forward to hosting the world’s best athletes and the tens of thousands of visitors that will flock to Westminster for the Games next year.
“Hyde Park will be a first class backdrop for the triathlon and marathon swim as it will allow sports fans to get really close to the action as the athletes run, cycle and swim through the heart of our capital city.”
