London 2012: Police ask crowds to keep clear of cyclists

Spectators in West Byfleet brought stepladders to get a good view of the men's cycling road race

Police in Surrey have asked spectators of the Olympic men's road race to keep clear of the cyclists as they pass through the county.

Thousands of people have lined the route through Surrey for the event.

On Twitter Surrey Police said: "PLEASE keep clear of the cyclists (especially with children). You don't want to be responsible for @MarkCavendish falling off!"

He is bidding to claim Team GB's first gold in the race.

Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins is also part of the team of GB cyclists.

The 250km race passes through Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge, West Byfleet, West Horsley and Dorking and includes nine laps of Box Hill.

Spectators in West Byfleet brought stepladders to get a good view as the race passed them.

Motorists have been advised to avoid Surrey and London, with more than <link> <caption>500 shut in Surrey</caption> <url href="http://www.gosurrey.info/olympic-road-cycling/road-closures/list-of-road-closures-olympi/" platform="highweb"/> </link> as well as <link> <caption>road closures in central London</caption> <url href="http://www.getaheadofthegames.com/things-you-should-know/changes-roads.html#2" platform="highweb"/> </link> .

Roads will reopen about three hours after the last support car has passed but closures come into force again at about 06:00 BST on Sunday for the women's cycling road race.