The Tour de France is coming to town on Monday - so here's a reminder of where best to see the world’s greatest cycling show.

Stage Three is a 98 miles (159km) bunch run from Cambridge to The Mall.

Time trials, like the last time it was here in 2007, sees individuals going by by one at a time that spreads out the action for anything up to three hours.

But when the best cyclists on the planet whizz past in a peloton going at anything up to 60 mph per hour, the action lasts a split second.

Considering they will be in to the last two miles by the time they hit our patch, that whirl of tyre and colour you thought you saw? That was the Tour, pal.

Therefore, given road closures start at a yawning 4am, and the riders are not expected until around noon, the keen should choose one of the three corners en route - because that’s naturally where the bunch have to slow fractionally, no matter what.

Ignore the Embankment. You have as much chance of picking out Chris Froome as catching an antelope in full flight in his native Kenya.

Chris Froome of Great Britain, winning the centenary Tour de France in 2013.
Champion: Chris Froome

However, when they turn right at Big Ben on their way to Birdcage Walk, those at the front of the crowd can see them coming - and watch them going.

The second turn right from the Walk into Spur Road in front of Buckingham Palace is even better, because the riders know they have a second right 80 metres later into The Mall, before the final sprint to the line.

Chances of crashes and mayhem multiply tenfold. But if standing around for hours waiting for that dramatic few seconds is not your thing, there are Free Fan Parks (tourdefrancefanpark.co.uk) at Trafalgar Square and Green Park promising to offer family entertainment and good views.

Meanwhile, here's a reminder of road closures - the first set of which come into place on Sunday from 4pm: 

Constitution Hill

Marlborough Road

Matthew Parker Street

The Mall - between Queens Gardens and Horse Guards Road

Tothill Street – between Broadway and Storey’s Gate

From 8pm, there is no vehicle access to the following roads:

Birdcage Walk

Great George Street

Horse Guards Road

Link Road – short section of road between Birdcage Walk and The Mall

Spur Road - short section of road between Birdcage Walk and The Mall

Storey’s Gate

The Mall – between Horse Guards Road and Spring Gardens (Trafalgar Square)

Aerial view of Buckingham Palace and the Mall, which will form part of the route for the cycling events during the Olympic games
Closed: The Mall

From 4pm, the following roads are resident and business access only:

Dartmouth Street

Old Queen Street

The following roads will be affected on Monday from 10am:

Adam Street

Arundel Street

Bridge Street

Carlton House Terrace

Carteret Street

Charing Cross Road – south of Cambridge Circus (Shaftesbury Ave)

Charles II Street

Cleveland Row

Cockspur Street

Craven Street

Duncannon Street

Great Scotland Yard

Haymarket – south of Piccadilly Circus

Horse Guards Avenue

John Adam Street

King Street

Little St. James’s Street

Lower Regent Street – south of Charles II Street

Northumberland Avenue

Pall Mall

Pall Mall East

Parliament Square (a contra-flow adjacent to Westminster Abbey will enable vehicles to travel in both directions between Victoria Street and Millbank)

Queen Anne’s Gate

Savoy Street, Savoy Place, Savoy Hill & Savoy Way

St. James’s Square

St. James’s Street – south of King Street

Surrey Street

Temple Place

The Strand - between Trafalgar Square and Aldwych

Trafalgar Square

Whitehall Place & Whitehall Court

Westminster Bridge

Whitehall

Victoria Embankment

Transport for London expects all roads to re-open from 6pm onwards on Monday.

Parking restrictions will also be in place and, while the roads are closed, it will not be possible for vehicles to cross the route.

To avoid delays on the Monday, all drivers are advised to, wherever possible, stay clear of areas near the event routes in the affected parts of London.

Tube and rail will be the best way to get around the affected areas, although stations nearest the finish at the Mall will be extremely busy.

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times, and pedestrian access to properties will not be affected, with marshals ensuring people can cross the road safely.

Keep up to date with all the action as the Tour de France hits London with our live blog