Methinks there will be many an overloaded bandwagon doing the rounds in thr future
Aye, and a short period of boundless and, alas, unfulfilled, optimism about everyday cycling such as commuting. Even Chris Boardman was at it on the ITV4 summary show last night.
However what it might have done is shown the impressionable/interested youngsters of 8 or 9 years and upwards that it is possible to be British and to be a world beating cyclist and that has got to be a good thing for the long term future of sport (if not everyday) related cycling.
BTW, as an everyday cyclist, I desperately want to believe that CB is right about cycling becoming normalised.
I'm not sure it requires belief as such, as unlike many schemes investing in social change, it appears that the new funding in the sport is being invested by those who understand the sport, and in parallel with investment in competitive cycling have been investments in inclusive grass-roots opportunities. All of which benefits from the general resurgence in cycling, the increasing cycle route provision, investment in cycle training, the cycle to work scheme, the growing popularity of sportives and so on. And unlike other sports, cycling has it's utilitarian aspect - having a tennis raquet or football doesn't help you if you need to get a pint of milk, so there's an obvious trickle-down.
I'm pleased for Halfords too, given their continued investment in the sport, i think their 'Tour de Francis' campaign has been well pitched - showing an ordinary bloke can take an ordinary bike and ride tour stages - and celebrating at the Champs Elysees suggests they must've had an eye for a British win.
It'll be interesting to see what happens today but given the team spirit and the lead out train (providing that train doesn't try leading out too soon again!) Cav must have a fantastic opportunity in front of crowds bolstered by thousands who've channel hopped, and then it's off to the Olympics, if Cav storms it today and they carry that energy into the Olympics then it will be huge, if they then blow everyone away at the Olympics then it'll go to another level - and then there's the trackies after that!
But for me the best thing about watching Team Sky has been the commitment to team mates and teamwork (andyoxon - just re-watch the stages or listen to the interviews it is
absolutely a team effort), same goes for likes of Chris Hoy, very modest and unassuming and very respectful of others in spite of his awesome strength - a great advert and a great example.