Saturday, 28 July 2012
Shift 1 Mens Cycling Road Race
Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympics, my first event was the Men’s Road Race. The brief for my Gamesmaker role was pretty brief. I had to make sure the spectators enjoyed the race safely. This was one of the few venues where a spectator could actually stand in the field of play (FOP). My role as a FOP marshall was to inform the spectators how the sequence of events to make sure they are ready for to enjoy the race. It was a learning experience for me, I did not know Road Cycling. As I spoke to the Belgian supporters had an analogue radio which I thought was really smart. The games maker in some sectors had to wait for 3 hours for the cyclists to pass in 10 seconds. Luckily I was in the Box Hill section where the mens’ do eight laps. This meant that I was lucky to watch the race unfold.
The sun was shining and picnics were everywhere. The atmosphere was incredible, with the majority of spectators were very knowledgeable in the sport. I had to learn everything about, please read entry 68 for a beginner’s guide to watch road cycling. It was more than just riding a bicycle. The strategies, teamwork, riders, course characteristics and weather conditions, all played a part in how the race unfolded. This was the first of Team GB’s medal hope.
It was a great demonstration of Team GB talent, the 2012 Tour de France winner, three 2012 Stage winners and the world’s greatest road race sprinter and a strategy that worked in the practice event a year ago. The plan was to ride hard for 5 hours and deliver “Cav” to sprint for the win in end! It was all good except the plan was well advertised for the last 12 months. Hence everyone knew what to do to have a chance to beat them. Unfortunately for Team GB, they did.
Adventures of Delboy 