Rio de Janeiro, Dec 11 (IANS): Rio de Janeiro's iconic Copacabana beach has been included in the 2016 Olympic road race circuit.

The course will stretch 256.4 km for men and 130.3 km for women, according to the Rio 2016 website, reports Xinhua.

It will start and finish at Flamengo Park, passing through Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra and Reserva Beach.

"I'm delighted that we have finalised the Olympic road race and time trial routes, which will provide a stunning backdrop for riders to compete against, spectators to enjoy and a global TV audience to marvel at," said Rio 2016 executive director of sport, Agberto Guimaraes.

Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes added: "The eyes of the world will see the planet's best riders race alongside some of Rio's best-known sites, such as Copacabana and Ipanema.

"The route will also showcase areas of our great city that are less well known internationally such as Vista Chinesa. I'm sure that the people of Rio de Janeiro will come out in huge numbers to cheer on riders right across this course."