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Top level sporting action at the Natwest Island Games means there needs to be some major road closures to ensure safety during the event.
Volunteers have begun delivering letters and leaflets to homes and businesses along the routes of the cycling and triathlon and the opening and closing ceremonies to make sure everyone is aware and can plan ahead.
While recognising it will cause disruption, the organising committee sees it as a great opportunity for residents to have a front-row seat on world-class competition, and they are being encouraged to put out flags and bunting.
Closure details:
North Beach and Town Seafront from 16:00 for the Opening ceremony.
Rocquaine and roads in the upper parishes between 08:00 and 17:30 for the triathlon.
The West coast between 09:00 and 13:00 for the cycling time trial.
Rocquaine and roads in the upper parishes between 08:30 and 14:45 for the cycling road race.
St Peter Port seafront from 08:00 to 17:30 for the half marathon, cycling criterium and triathlon relay.
Foote’s Lane from 13:00 to 12:30am for the men’s football final and the closing ceremony
During a closure, there will be no vehicular access along the route.
The exception is the cycle road race on Wednesday 12 July, where a rolling closure will allow cars to travel one-way behind the convoy for part of the course.
Pedestrian access will be maintained.
At some junctions, vehicles will be able to cross over routes with the help of fully-trained marshalls.
Communications and Events Director Amanda Hibbs said the aim was to create a great Games experience for everyone: “We last hosted the Games in 2003, and it’s a huge honour to be the first island to host for a third time. This is a once-in-20-years chance for people to enjoy their own unique viewing point of the cycling and triathlon events.
“The quality of the competition and the number of people involved has meant that we are having to implement road closures. On some stretches the cyclists are expected to reach speeds over 30mph.
“The atmosphere is going to be amazing, so we want people to come out, support the Games, and be part of it. Around 400 people have volunteered to be fully trained as marshalls and they will be present along the streets on the day to answer queries and to ensure a safe and smooth event.”
Volunteers will be picking up the letters and leaflets on Saturday morning, and they have been asked to deliver their batches over the next couple of weeks. The leaflets include details about the roads affected and the timings.
People can also pick up leaflets from the constables' offices and other public buildings.
Anyone with any queries regarding the closures is welcome to contact the Games Office at info@guernsey2023.gg or phone 720215.
The Games takes place from Saturday 8 July until Friday 14 July.
Guernsey will be welcoming approximately 3,000 athletes and team members from 23 other islands, to compete in 14 sports across 25 different venues.
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