Today SWXX had joined our neighbours to witness the Olympics Men’s 250km cycling road race that passed through southwest London.
Gold medalist, Alexandr Vinokourov (in blue) catching up with silver medalist, Rigoberto Uran at Putney High Street, 7km from the finishing line at The Mall. Photo © Zarina Holmes
The riders passed SW roads twice – on the way out to the Box Hill at 10am and on the way back to The Mall around 3.15pm. It was well worth the wait. I was accompanied by fellow photographer, Steven Lee from Explorenation. We followed the race on his Samsung G-tab at Wandsworth Park before heading off to catch the leaders at Putney High Street.
We were hoping to catch a glimpse of Team GB’s Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins, who brought home the maillot jaune from Tour de France last week. They were too fast for bare eyes to see! The riders zipped past like a blur down our roads.
Supporters in anticipation at Putney High Street. Photo © Zarina Holmes
Steven Lee gave me a useful tip: “Just close your eyes and snap the photos.” He was right. Blink or you’ll miss them.
Fortunately we managed to catch the gold and silver medal winners, Alexandr Vinokourov and Rigoberto Uran, in action.
Kazakhstan’s Vinokourov (in blue jersey) was in second place behind Colombia’s Uran at Putney High Street, 7km from the finishing line at The Mall.
Olympics riders descending our SW high streets! For real. Photo © Zarina Holmes
He chased up the Colombian rider and began overtaking at Fulham Road, winning himself a Gold medal for the Men’s 250km road race today.
The atmosphere in London SW was incredible. People were cycling everywhere to see the Olympics race.
Photo © Zarina Holmes
Riders heading towards Putney Bridge. Photo © Zarina Holmes
Many riders are visibly struggling at this stage, after ascending the Box Hill in Surrey nine times. Photo © Zarina Holmes
He wasn’t the last. Photo © Zarina Holmes
Follow our London SW Olympics updates at @heartSWXX.
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