Olympic Cycling Time Trials

Photo: John Giles PA

Last week the roads of South West London closed to welcome the Olympic cycling time trials and the King of the Road delighted the public at Hampton Court Palace.

Lizzie Armitstead back on the Surrey roads 

Starting and ending at Hampton Court Palace, this is a race against the clock over a distance of 44km for the men and 29km for the women. The competitors set off at 90 second intervals, with a police motorbike leading and support car following, to race their way through Esher, Hersham, Cobham and Kingston upon Thames, with the men taking in additional loops through Molesey and Twickenham.

Crowds packed the route, sometimes three or four deep with their Union flags and raucous cheers. The ladies were off first in the morning, unfortunately it was rather dull and damp but the sun eventually warmed us up by the time the men set off.  Parties were on the go all day along the route, filling the suburban village greens, the BBQs were sizzling and families picnicked on every available green space. Every nationality was given equal cheers and encouragement, but the Team GB must have been deafened by the enthusiasm.

The crowd turns electric as our man approaches!

                           
The crowds on Hampton Court Bridge were ecstatic as word went around that Chris Froome was home in a possible medal time.  This then turned to an amazing roar as we heard the news that Bradley Wiggins had secured GOLD!

Many of the cyclists took a lap of honour over the bridge and back to enjoy the happiness of the crowd, the police took great applause and yet more high fiving.  Then we all gathered to try and catch a glimpse of the medal ceremony, Gold for Bradley and Bronze for Chris Froome.  As gold was placed around his neck in the front drive of this beautiful palace, cheers echoed across Surrey and along the River Thames.  As the National Anthem played the packed streets of Hampton Court joined in, making this a very moving and an unforgettable moment.

People tried to get a glimpse of the ceremony through the trees

                           
People turned in a wide variety of colourful outfits to give all the cyclists the warmest of welcomes.  

And the BBC found a lovely place to base their broadcast, on the veranda of and exceptionally quaint antique shop.

 As the day's activities drew to a close and the TV crews wrapped up their coverage of this day of carnival and happiness, the locals of this charming London village made sure their High Street was going to stay closed to allow the party to continue into the night.  

Bridge Road, a unique road full of independent cafes, bars, creative shops and antique stalls, was full of happy smiling people enjoying the sunshine and sharing the historical moment of happiness.

The Olympics is not just about sport, it is about human kindness and understanding.  Sport is the catalyst to bring the world together, to understand each others and broaden our minds.