The peace of Richmond's Royal Parks was shattered yesterday as 148 cyclists sped through the area, in a rehearsal for next years Olympic Cycling Road Race. (Apologies to anyone seeking information on Nordic Walking. This is a slight digression... Lots of information on other blog entries).
 |
| Bushy Park resident |
 |
| Deer drinking, before the crowds arrive |
As crowds gathered in Richmond and Bushy Parks, and in the streets of Twickenham, Teddington and across Surrey, an army of workers had overnight built roadside barriers, and removed road humps and pelican crossings. Roads were closed.
 |
| Warning of one of the few remaining pieces of road furniture |
Thousands of spectators flocked to parks to cheer on the athletes. Picnics were consumed, and the best vantage points were grabbed.
 |
| Heading for the race |
 |
| Either way round Diana fountain! |
Many people, including myself, had also gathered to cheer on one of England's greatest ever cyclists - Mark Cavendish. A superstar in world of professional road racing, he has been relatively unsuccessful at the Olympics, despite being a member of the all-conquering GB team. Next year, Cavendish hopes to remedy that gap in his CV, and is preparing seriously for victory in the Mall.
 |
| Just a blur... |
With the help of 4 colleagues, Cavendish did win this rehearsal, but next year's race will climb Box Hill 9 times, rather than just 2 for this year. And Cavendish is not renowned for his climbing.....
 |
| Entering Richmond Park for the second time |
The organisers will have learned valuable lessons from this rehearsal, and next year's events will include a women's road race (on the same route) and an individual time trial, along 21 miles of roads around Hampton Court Palace.
 |
| The chase is on |
So, expect some more traffic disruption next year, but also enjoy the spectacular, close-up Olympic action which is FREE, and on many Londoners' doorsteps!!
 |
80 miles in 3 hours takes its toll
|
Peter
No comments:
Post a Comment