So, the Olympic road races are behind us, and what races they were! Team GB ultimately didn't have luck on their side when it came to the Men's effort, with a strong break managing to pull away and ultimately motor it to the finish. Vino was a shock result for me, but he was strong and hungry and worked well with a spirited looking Uran. The only thing I find annoying about Vino's win is he is going to retire, thus depriving us of four years worth of lairy golden euro-bling bike swag (ain't that right Sami?)
The race was pretty good, with everything from a wandering dog, Gilbert having a dig and of course Cancellara hitting the deck, taking the corner like a 4th-cat Hillingdon smashfest in the rain. I watched from my screen at the Olympic Park where Im currently on assignment editing. Obviously they put me as the go-to girl for the cycling events, so I pretty much had a ball seeing the race unfold and waiting for the images to spool onto our servers.
Our guys shot some really nice stuff, the gallery from the men's race is here.
One thing that sucked was all the media jocking on Cav for somehow 'failing'? typical bullshit from press that doesn't cover anything to do with cycling 99% of the year, but ever since Wiggo took le tour seems like Britain suddenly woke up and decided they are cycling experts haha. Anyway id say it was a valiant effort by all riders, at the end of the day GB didn't get a guy in that break and it was strong enough to stay away and launch the medals from. This is racing and that's the way the cookie crumbles! What was pretty ace was seeing the throngs of salivating fans lining the course. From Boxhill to Buckingham Palace the winding roads out to Surrey, the appetite was palatable for impassioned fans to show their support for the riders. The mood was one of pride and excitement, but to see these kind of crowds on the roads that us capital-based riders frequent was something really special indeed...
And so onto the ladies race.. what an exciting race it was! With only two ascents of Box, it made for a good race with plenty having a dig at pinging off the front. The race was made 'epic' by the arrival of a monsoon like shower, in total contrast to the med-like conditions of the gents the day previous. With a break of Vos, Lizzie and Zabelinskaya hitting out with around 50k's to go back to the finish on the Mall, an exciting and tense 'will they wont they' survival kicked in, with me shouting at the screen! Of course Vos is indeed the strongest rider, and I couldn't have been happier for her to take the gold. I get continually p*ssed that she seems to get pipped every worlds... in my eyes she is without a doubt the greatest female cyclist to walk the planet. Bold statement yes I know, but look at the range of terrain and events she can smash. Lizzie was amazing to keep right up there with her, and it was only the Dutchwoman's strong finish that managed to hold off the GB charge with a few feet in it max!
So yeah, all massive credit to VOS for being a total machine.... The bad-ass sdudes over at Vicious Velo wrote a really good piece about the ladies road race, and why is kicked so much ass. I suggest you head there and give it a read. The images I edited for our guys for the ladies RR can be perused here.
With the TT's coming up on Wednesday, it could be quite a wide open race. Personally I think we might see a shock result, someone such as Gustav Larsson might put in a good showing. With Cadel out, Cancellara possibly hurting after his mishap in the road race, and Tony Martin perhaps burning a few too many matches riding at the front on Saturday it could make the performances of these heavyweights a little more human. We will see!
One thing that sucked was all the media jocking on Cav for somehow 'failing'? typical bullshit from press that doesn't cover anything to do with cycling 99% of the year, but ever since Wiggo took le tour seems like Britain suddenly woke up and decided they are cycling experts haha. Anyway id say it was a valiant effort by all riders, at the end of the day GB didn't get a guy in that break and it was strong enough to stay away and launch the medals from. This is racing and that's the way the cookie crumbles! What was pretty ace was seeing the throngs of salivating fans lining the course. From Boxhill to Buckingham Palace the winding roads out to Surrey, the appetite was palatable for impassioned fans to show their support for the riders. The mood was one of pride and excitement, but to see these kind of crowds on the roads that us capital-based riders frequent was something really special indeed...
Dav Craven climbs up Box Hill
Olympic fever has arrived in the UK, and we are extremely privileged to be hosting such an incredible event. So get behind the athletes and show your support, big shouts out to my amazing 6 year old nephew in Sheffield for his inspiring window display!
5 comments:
Great post, brilliant pictures too, it seems you might have one of the best jobs in the world right now?
I caught the women's race just outside Putney. After the disappointment of the day before the crowd were crazy to see LA in the break with a good lead.
It seems even the most ardent nay-sayers have come around now the games are here.
I am indeed very privileged to be working on the Olympics, its a once in a lifetime experience to have them in our very own capital. It makes the 20 hour shift in fron of a screen worth it when you see the images being produced. The way GB have embraced the games and celebrated it has been massively overwhelming, I would dearly love to see us get a gold, fingers crossed wont be long :)
Glad you caught the race live, v jealous!
I don't think your statement about Vos was that bold.
I think if you'd said she is the greatest cyclist to walk the planet, that would have been bold, but that would have been arguably true as well! She thoroughly deserved the Gold.
I would like to say a gold is inevitable at some point but these are the Olympics... and sometimes about much more than just medals, athlete stories etc. especially in the 'lesser' events and the smaller poorer countries.
A gold will be just around the corner - just don't let them let Lesley Garrett sing the national anthem again. Please.
Cracking edits all round. Top work. My fave - media ID 149490479 That's a stunning shot in my opinion and rare to get with so much atmosphere. I'd be so bold as to say it's a hero shot. Best of all the edits.
Marianne Vos is such a star and I agree with you about her diversity. I do however feel it's most debatable about her being the best but you make a very compelling case indeed that's worthy of further consideration. As you say, it's great to finally see her take the Olympic road title. Good for Vino too for the men. His win was most unexpected yet both races ran in a very similar way.
All eyes to the track.
Keep up the great work and enjoy LO2012
Tim
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