The road race was originally scheduled to start and finish in Flamengo Park, with this now moving nine kilometres south to the historic Copacabana Fort.

Rio 2016 announced the new location last week but gave no reason for the move, although insidethegames understands it was due to a decision by the Games organisers rather than the cycling authorities. 

UCI President Brian Cookson welcomed the "modifications to the road race route", which come after "close collaboration" between the UCI and Rio 2016 Organising Committee, as well as with the host city's Mayor Eduardo Paes.

He added: "The combination of the stunning scenery and the stern challenge that the road race and time trial courses will provide will deliver a fantastic spectacle for cycling fans and we're looking forward with anticipation and excitement to the start of the Games".

The road race was originally planned to be held at Flamengo Park, the events venue during the 2007 Pan American Games ©Getty Images



The adapted routes does not entail a change in the race distances - 256.4km for the men, 130.3km for women - and riders will still pass through Ipanema, São Conrado and Vista Chinesa.

The route will also take in the Grumari circuit with a steep climb and a 2km cobble stone section.

Riders will then return towards Copacabana with a challenging circuit that climbs and descends through the Tijuca Forest, also passing the Vista Chinesa monumenta major landscape viewpoint in Rio.

The men's race will take place on August 6, 2016 with the women's event following on August 7.

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