It's a race against the clock with the men challenged over 44km, setting off at 90-second intervals. The race is contested over a single lap with the course speeding through the London Borough of Richmond, the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, and Elmbridge Borough.
It's unlikely the rapid riders will appreciate the scenery but there are bucolic spots from which to watch them whizz by: Bessborough Reservoirs, Esher Common, Claremont Landscaped Gardens, the grounds of St Mary's University College at Twickenham, Bushy Park and the ground of the Palace itself as well as the more urban setting of the A3 and Kingston Town Centre. The women race over 29km, cutting out the reservoirs and that loop round Twickenham.
Both races take place on 1 August 2012, starting on the driveway to Hampton Court Palace and finishing outside the Palace grounds on Hampton Court Road. If you weren't planning on bidding for tickets for other events, you may be pleased to learn that this one is not ticketed and is free to attend.
The Hampton Court heart of this route is also used in the Olympic Cycling Road Race which takes place on 28 July 2012.
Find out about the full schedule of Olympic competition events.
The ballot for tickets opens on 15 March 2011.
