The Calm Before The Storm

I spent the weekend at home, rather than going back into Central London.  Not because I’m bored already, but because I have the privilege of living on the route of the Cycling Road Races, so I stayed here to watch the cyclists ride by.

The atmosphere was incredible as people lined the streets.  Something like 1 million people lined the streets for the Men’s race on Saturday, and then just as many seemed to be present for the Sunday Women’s race (despite the heavy thunderstorms).

I took a walk around my neighbourhood yesterday, and was overwhelmed by the quantity of red/white/blue bunting, as well as many Union Jacks.  I noticed at least 3 or 4 people in my street were hosting barbecues or house parties, and on each occasion it was clear that a TV was present, and they were eagerly tuned into the Olympics.  I don’t live in London – I’m ~5 miles away from the edge of Zone 6, to the South West, however it is clear to see that Olympic fever has gripped everyone in this part of the country.

Now, I know I promised to add videos to this blog, so now is the time to deliver.  I filmed the cyclists riding past me.

Firstly, this was the initial breakaway group in the Men’s Road Race:

Next, the main peloton, headed by Bradley Wiggins and Team GB:

Lastly, the Women’s race, which still consisted of a solitary peloton, when it passed me.  Incidentally, the first Dutch attack of the race (which ultimately led to a Dutch win) happened just ~200 yards after I filmed this video:

It was great to have seen Lizzie Armitstead, who went on to become Team GB’s first medallist of the games in any sport.  Some countries are still yet to win a single medal at these games... *cough, cough, Germany, cough, cough*

As for the Men’s race, the Cavendish bunch sprint plan did not materialise, and Vinokourov took the honours.  Vino is someone I consider to be an “old-school” cyclist (I'm sure you all know what I mean by my "old school" euphemism)...  I didn’t stay tuned for his medal ceremony, but I wouldn’t have shed any tears, had the Borat Kazakhstan Prostitutes song “accidentally” been played for him...

...and anyway... had Vino not won, Rigoberto Uran would have won instead... and I’d have been able to wheel out my “Uran, my Lord” pun... which, alas, is consigned to history......

So, tomorrow my Olympics REALLY start, as I’ve got tickets to events in 13 of the next 14 days.  I’ll begin by watching Tom Daley in the Men’s synchronised highboard diving.  I’m still toying with the idea of whether or not I should dress up as Tom for this event...

... I’ve then got a second trip to the Aquatic Centre in the evening, to see the Swimming finals, where I’m hoping to see Exeter’s very own Liam Tancock take a medal.  Indeed, I’ll be attending the Swimming finals on three of the next five evenings.

The fact that I dislike the smell of chlorine won’t be problematic, will it?!!...