Streets without traffic and crowds of spectators will herald the arrival of the 2012 Olympics cycle test event through Richmond.

The London-Surrey cycle classic will see more than 140 top cyclists, including Tour de France green jersey winner Mark Cavendish, speed through the borough as they test next year’s Olympic road race route.

And with excitement building ahead of Sunday’s event, reassurances have been made to residents regarding necessary road closures.

Lorena Persano, from Transport for London (TfL), confirmed with disability advice charity Richmond Aid that there would be locations where barriers could affect access but said stewards would be on hand to help people at crossings.

Areas where barriers could block access include the corner where Cross Deep meets Waldegrave Road, the area over the bridge through Twickenham High Street and through to Park Road, and the crossing on Broad Street, Teddington, but help will be available at these points.

She said: “In these locations, stewards will facilitate access across existing crossings. There will be a number of stewards in the vicinity who can assist. Where there are no barriers, you will be able to cross the route as usual when the race is not passing.“ Lessons learned from this race will be fed into planning for next year’s Olympics.

A spokesman for Richmond Aid said: ”We want to make sure disabled and older people aren’t cut off from services, family and carers during the race and future Olympic events, so want to get the information out there [but] we’re looking forward to working with Locog and TfL in good time for next year’s events as I know they are committed to working with the local disabled community on ensuring fair access for all.”

Twickenham fire crews also assured residents.

A spokesman said: “We will be able to attend incidents as normal the only difference is we will have to take different route, but we know where the road closures are [and are prepared].”

Visitors have been urged to check details before travelling and plan ahead of the 140km cycle road race, which starts at the Mall and passes through Richmond Park, Richmond, Bushy Park and past Hampton Court Palace on fully closed roads.

Pedestrian access will be at designated crossings, where marshalls will ensure people cross the road safely.

Affected roads from Richmond Park through to Surrey will close at 6am on Sunday, August 16, and re-open in Richmond town centre from 11.30am.