Thousands line streets to watch Olympic cycling road races

Police have reported a successful weekend in Surrey with large crowds, including many people from the neighbouring Horsham district, safely gathering along the county’s roads today (Sunday July 29) for the Women’s Olympic Road Race.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jul 2012, 20:43 BST

Spectators lined the streets to see Lizzie Armitstead as she went on to win Great Britain’s first medal of the Games.

Despite the crowds, there was only one arrest for a public order offence connected to today’s event.

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A 42-year-old man was arrested following the alleged incident in Dorking and has been charged with racially aggravated harassment.

Today’s event followed yesterday’s Men’s Road Race – the biggest sporting event the county has ever seen.

Chief Superintendent Gavin Stephens said: “This has been an incredible weekend made all the better with the first Great Britain medal being won at one of our Surrey events.

“There were only two event-related arrests in Surrey over the whole weekend and this is testament to the fantastic spirit of the thousands of people who came out to cheer on the cyclists as they made their way through our county.”

On Saturday, a 54-year-old man was arrested in Leatherhead for a breach of the peace as the cyclists approached. Officers acted quickly and the race was unaffected.