I watched the men's road race with Jethro yesterday. I wasn't expecting it to be all that good, but it was a weekend ride and somewhere to go even if watching the racing wasn't much.
It turned out to be a very good day out. I though it was done properly. Roads properly closed and no messing about. Streets were packed hurs before the race got there. I had to follow some of the route on my way to the Box Hill circuit and was allowed through the closed roads. As soon as I left Woking, cyclists were everywhere on their way to watch the race.
I was glad I went. Team GB were very impressive! They looked quite relaxed for the first 2-3 laps and looked to have it all under control. I timed the gap between the leaders and the main bunch and team GB took 4.5 minutes out of them. They took 2 minutes in one lap, but they'd spent themselves doing that and never closed the last minute. Germany were either saving themselves to launch their sprinter or just didn't have the firepower to contribute. There was one German who I think was on the front a few times. I think that Team GBs plan might have worked on a shorter race, a stronger German team or another strong team with a rival for Cav. But chasing a well organised breakaway for about 200km was a lot to ask. It made a 1st cat road race at Milton Keynes Bowl look like the egg and spoon race on school sports day.
After the race left the Box Hill circuit, Jethro and I headed for Wetherspoons in Leatherhead to watch the finish. But on the way, Jethro spotted a sign at a village hall where the race was being shown on a big screen. We nipped in there before the rush and sat right at the front to watch the rest of the race.
After about 10minutes, the hall was packed solid.
A great day out and much better than I expected. I had to ride another 30 miles to my Travelodge. I'd left it a bit late booking a hotel and when I tried, all the local ones were fully booked. Judging by the crowds, I think they were mostly spectators.
I decided against watching the women's race. It would have been another good day, but I would have been late home for the sake of watching two laps instead of nine. But I did see the last hour in Bicester on the way home.
I'm really enjoying this Olympic thing now.
