Just got back after a day watching the TT round Hampton and Twickenham.
Fantastic atmosphere, good support for all the riders and outstanding support for the Team GB boys and girls.
The noise when Wiggo passed was immense. Something I won’t forget 8)
Sydney 2000 The Great Britain team of Paul Manning, Chris Newton, Bryan Steel and Wiggins took bronze in the team pursuit
Athens 2004 Wiggins on his way to gold in the men’s individual pursuit
Athens 2004 Wiggins hands over to Rob Hayles for the final time before taking bronze in the men’s madison
Athens 2004 The GB team of Steve Cummings, Rob Hayles, Paul Manning and Wiggins on their way to silver in the team pursuit
Beijing 2008 On his way to gold in the individual pursuit
Beijing 2008 The British team of Wiggins, Ed Clancy, Paul Manning and Geraint Thomas set a new world record on their way to winning gold in the team pursuit
As a Northern man I am not given over much to displays of emotion, however, I am moved on this occasion to commemorate the efforts of Sir Bradley of Wiggins with a sartorial embellishment, thus:
I went to Kingston, watched a bit there near the Sigma Sport shop, then headed into Bushy Park, 1km from the finish to ROAR! Wiggo down to the finish. I reckon it was worth a 100th of a second.
Great atmosphere.
Duh, like I said, I’m a cynic. What independent body collates the votes? Not like there’s ever been any controversy over viewing public voting, viewer competitions and phone-ins is it? 🙄
Although can’t see how it could possibly go to anyone but the golden sideburns this year
Freshly-embraced Andy Murray progressing to a medal? Tom daley in the solo dive, after losing his dad and the twitter bullying? Double-bereaved Taekwondo Sarah Stevenson getting gold? Like I said, I think Wiggins is the stand-out sports story of the year and would love to be proved wrong. I’m also cynical and aware there’s lots of time for another story to grip the general public’s imagination, and the beeb management would rather bathe in their own p— than promote a Murdoch enterprise.
I think Limburg is where the Amstel Gold race takes place, and was the venue for the Worlds when Oscar Camezind won. I’ve ridden there, courtesy of a Brother-in-Law in the RAF, and it’s quite hilly in a foothills of the Pennines kind of way…
Wonderful day watching on the course. Saw the field go by then the wind blew over the satellite dish and reception was lost on the big screen ! Much huffing and puffing and all restored in time for the glorious finish.
Love the roundel on the helmet and the humour of the thrones in front of Hampton Court. Priceless.
Cracking day all round. Rode jauntily up to Cobham to see the women’s race before taking in a pint and some fine samosas from the Indian chappy. Then headed up towards Esher for the men’s race which was positively awesome. Sat on the very edge of the kerb for every pic – Sanchez in particular whizzed past literally within inches. Retired to the big screen only for it to lose signal with 3-4 mins to go … Aaaarrrghghgh … had to be re-installed and came back to life just in time for the finish.
Naaa, he’s not exactly got form for one day races, he’s got no sprint so unless he can solo to vicotry (and even then the pelaton would have to be caught not so much napping as in a coma).
Wiggins & Froome getting into a break and Wiggins sheltering Froome for a Froome win on the last climb would be epic though and I suspect Froome will need something to show for this year as he’s had an epic season but all in Brad’s shadow.
[edit] really should read the whole post/quote before quoting it, I read it in context as “the worlds is a shoe in”
I managed to get tickets to the finish – the atmosphere was absolutely incredible.
When they rounded the corner with 500M to go it just went crazy – I was on the corner at 150M to go and took a few pics…
Philipe Gilbert
Michael Rogers
Froome pushing hard
Got a bit snap happy when Wiggins came through
Once everyone was through and Wiggins had claimed gold they opened the road up to let spectators down to the big screen. Lots of noise and a rendition of the national anthem.