London Olympic events approved for Hyde Park Serpentine

For the London 2012 triathlon,London Hyde Park's Serpentine lake will be the centrepiece after officials approved final plans for the course.

In the park 3,000-capacity seating area will be build, as well as a pontoon on the lake where triathletes will swim one 1500m lap.

After the swim, the 40km cycle and 10km run will take in Constitution Hill and Buckingham Palace.

The Games' 10km marathon swimming event will be also host by the Serpentine.

The cycle race competition will take place after the triathlon,for the cycle race competitors will take out of the park through Queen Mother's Gate, through Wellington Arch, down Constitution Hill and on to Birdcage Walk in front of Buckingham Palace.

"Hyde Park will be a first-class backdrop for the triathlon and marathon swim as it will allow sports fans to get really close to the action as the athletes run, cycle and swim through the heart of our capital city," said Alastair Moss, chairman of Westminster Council's planning and city development committee.