An Olympic Torchbearer on the road above the ancient stadium in Olympia where the cycle way is being built ©ITG

Work has begun to build a cycle way on the road where the Olympic Torch Relay traditionally begins its journey at Ancient Olympia in Greece.

The route, which is also to be used by pedestrians, is being constructed on the road above the site of the stadium which held the Olympic Games in antiquity.

It is set to run past the Coubertin Grove, the tree-lined avenue which has a monument to Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, and will lead to the main entrance of the International Olympic Academy.

The route is expected to be completed in 2023 ©Konstantinos/Facebook
The route is expected to be completed in 2023 ©Konstantinos/Facebook

The road was a major national road linking the nearby town of Pyrgos with Tripolis, but much of the route did not have a pathway for pedestrians before the new works began.

Completion is expected in 2023 and is part of a campaign to encourage cycling.

Meanwhile, the Tour de France L’Etape series is scheduled  to visit Ancient Olympia on April 1.

Organisers have promised "a unique combination of lush nature and ancient Greek history".

The programme includes a 150 kilometres race incorporating a climb of 2300 metres, starting and finishing in Olympia.

There is also a 75km ride, a family ride and a kids' race of 0.5km.

"The land of Olympism is once again united with one of the greatest sporting events," Western Greece Governor Nektarios Farmakis said.