Sports	Cycling (Road Race)

Hampton Court Palace was constructed in the 16th century under the rule of Henry VIII for his then trusted advisor, Cardinal Wolsey, whom he later fell out with for failing to convince the Pope to grant him a divorce from his wife, Catherine of Aragon.

Following Wolsey's downfall, Henry continued to develop the palace, and gave it a sporting legacy as early as the 1530s when a tennis court was built.

Hampton Court was also the birthplace of Henry's much desired first heir, though ironically and tragically his third wife, Jane Seymour, whom he married in the hope that she would give birth to a boy, died a fortnight later.


It was also where Henry was when informed of his fifth wife Catherine Howard's adultery, leading to him condemning her to death.

Some 500 years later, and during the Olympic Games, Hampton Court will be the start and finish point of the road cycling time trials.

Britain will hope that the likes of Emma Pooley and Mark Cavendish can race through the scenic views of Esher and Richmond to clinch gold medals.

The route takes in the Queen Elizabeth II reservoir, Claremont Gardens and Bushy Park.

The Time trials are free for visitors to watch, starting and finishing at the Palace.
.