London 2012 Olympics blog

6:41am Saturday 28th July 2012 in Latest News

Enable automatic updates every 30 seconds? YES NO

Latest

  • We will be live blogging throughout the games bringing you all the action as it happens. Let us know what's happening near you...
  • Leave your comments below
  • Tweet us @LondonersGames or us #LondonersGames
  • Email olympics@london.newsquest.co.uk

7:13pm

So a good win for the women's Team GB footballers, 3-0 against Cameroon. No game time for Rafferty but Hope Powell will be happy.

5:04pm

We will have our fingers crossed tonight for the Team GB women's football team. Let's hope their good form continues and they can beat Cameroon at the Millennium Stadium.

Great Britain women's coach, Hope Powell, hails from Lewisham and also played for Millwall Lionesses and Croydon.

Orpington born Claire Rafferty is on the bench tonight but lets hope she's brought on and scores the winner!

OLYMPIC PROFILE: Claire Rafferty

4:47pm

Men's road race winners wait in line for their medals

And here are the winners. They aren't waiting for the bus home, they are about to collect their medals.

4:43pm

Veronica Williams New Malden

Veronica Williams was impressed by the athletes' speed during the race.

The 30-year-old mother of two from Potters Grove, New Malden, said: "It is very speedy, you only see them for a couple of seconds but we got to the front in the end so it was really nice for the children."

Daughter Katie, five, added: "I liked it - it was exciting."

And brother Henry, three, chipped in: "It was exciting when they went under the tunnel."

4:33pm

One family has caught the buzz as predicted.

The Ellis family spent the morning in Hampton Court before moving on to Kingston.

Mandy Ellis, 50, from Berrylands, said: "It was great and worth every bit of the wait.

"Maybe a big screen in town would have been good or a warmer up for the crowd [but either way] it was fantastic.

"We've definitely got the Olympic bug."

4:32pm

And in the vollyball, it's a whitewash for Team GB in their first game:

Great Britain 0 - 3 Russia

4:23pm

Former Richmond resident Kathy spent the day in Richmond Park. She said: "I was sat on the mound and all the cars and bikes went past. It was good, a very exciting atmosphere. The park is brilliant but to see it like this is brilliant. Unbelievable."

4:22pm

Christine Fleming has been reporting from Kingston today. She says the station is fine, trains are running on time and it does not seem too overcrowded.

High praise must go to the organisers in all the areas. Locog must be very pleased with how this has gone. Let's hope the support for the women's cycling tomorrow is as good. Lets see if spectators have caught the bug!

4:20pm

Here they come through Kingston in the final stages of the road race.

4:14pm

So a disappointing result - what did you make of the race? And the result? Leave your comments below.

4:08pm

So no British medal winners in the cycling either:

Gold: Alexandr Vinokurov of Kazakhstan
Silver: Rigoberto Uran Uran of Colombia
Bronze: Alexander Kristoff of Norway

4:02pm

Kingston crowds disperse after the road race

As crowds in Richmond Park were huddled around radios to hear what was happening, Kingston's crowds dispersed quickly and calmly after seeing the competitors come through.

A wonderful event - just a shame Cavendish could not get there.

3:47pm

Kingston Bridge

Great scenes as the cyclists come across Kingston bridge. A really pretty route selection and a great advert for London and Surrey.

3:44pm

Nasty crash in Richmond Park after cyclist misjudged the corner. Looked painful.

Angela Gambril was on the corner when the then leader went down. She said: "They all came round the corner and he was right at the front but he came round the corner too quickly. It looked like he hurt his shoulder."

3:43pm

There are Mexican waves in Putney High Street adding to the exciting atmosphere. Looks like the cyclists will appear a little later than estimated.

3:24pm

And here they are! Exciting scenes in Esher but the Brits need to get a move on.

Here they come! Exciting scenes in Esher but the Brits need to move.

3:22pm

VOLLYBALL: Team GB women are one set down to Russia at the moment and trailing by three points in the second.

3:18pm

Cycling stalwart Des Kay, from Kingston, has been keeping the crowds entertained in Richmond Park.

He said: "I have just been through the park and have been in the road a couple of times. People are clapping and you're treated like royalty.

3:10pm

3:07pm

3:06pm

3:03pm

Cyclists due in Esher and across the area in minutes. They are flying! Come on Team GB!

2:48pm

2:46pm

Sarah Cocks, 23, of Hinchley Wood, Rob Phillips, 31, of Surbiton Road, Kingston, and Sarah Barratt-Brown, 28, of Chalk Farm.

One group who can not wait for the cyclists to arrive are Sarah Cocks, 23, of Hinchley Wood, Rob Phillips, 31, of Surbiton Road, Kingston, and Sarah Barratt-Brown, 28, of Chalk Farm.

The trio have already seen the torch pass through London and said they would be going to any and all events they can.

Mr Phillips, who works with Olympic sponsor Visa, said: "We are going to go to every single event we can. The olympics are fantastic."

Miss Cocks added: "It wasn't until i watched the opening ceremony which was really good that I got excited - we even went out and bought these flags especially."

2:43pm

A safety steward in a yellow high visibility jacket is telling people they can not sit on the wall by the bend after Kingston bridge.

Not surprisingly people are not moving after all they staked out their prime spots hours ago and they only have to hold their ground for another half an hour.

2:40pm

Esher - Olympics men's road race

Esher is buzzing. People are lining the road with flags, whistles and bunting.

There is a great feeling among everyone as they await the arrival of Team GB and their fellow athletes.

No sign of them yet, but they are due imminently

2:39pm

2:37pm

Elmbridge - Olympics road race on big screen

Esher Green is getting into the spirit of things in true British fashion.    Picnic blankets out and chilled beers to watch the events on the giant screen put up especially for the races.

Cyclists are due through Esher at 3.05pm, but who will be up in front?

2:22pm

Kingston bridge waiting for bike race

Kingston bridge is filling up fast and there is a hushed murmur of excitement among the crowd, especially as Team GB are riding what appears to be a perfect race so far.

2:18pm

Judging by the bikes I'd say the cycling contingent has certainly arrived in Kingston.

Bikes in Kingston during road race

2:13pm

Team GB weightlifters Jack Oliver and Zoe Smith from south east London are looking to the future - read the full article here .

1:59pm

Richmond Council has tweeted that cyclists are back on schedule, sorry about that, but I'd be there in good time anyway just to be sure.

1:46pm

Map of the Kingston leg of the Olympic cycle route should head to outside John Lewis where members of the Kingstonfirst team are handing them out for free.

Anyone after a detailed map of the Kingston leg of the Olympic cycle route should head to outside John Lewis where members of the Kingstonfirst team are handing them out for free.

1:41pm

All roads are now open from the Star and Garter, through Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington, although Bushy Park and Hampton Court are still closed, awaiting the cyclists' return.

1:38pm

Organisers in Kingston are telling people the cyclists may be 30 minutes earlier than anticipated, so take up your positions soon!

1:33pm

Once the cyclists are finished with the Box Hill circuit they will be zooming back into our areas. Below are a list of approximate times, but get there early to avoid disappointment.

Esher - 3.05pm

Hampton Court Palace - 3.10pm
Kingston Upon Thames - 3.15pm
Richmond Park - 3.20pm
Putney Bridge - 3.30pm
Fulham - 3.35pm
The Mall - FINISH 3.40pm

12:25pm

Mexican Angelica Camacho, left, who lives in Walton, and friend Marisol Lecuona, who is on holiday from Mexico City Mexican Angelica Camacho, left, who lives in Walton, and friend Marisol Lecuona, who is on holiday from Mexico City. Miss Camacho said: "I'm from Mexico so I wanted to cheer them on. "We only have one cyclist in the race and he was in the middle. "The atmosphere was amazing, everyone was very friendly. "I feel very excited for the games no and feel very patriotic."

12:08pm

12:06pm

Putney velodrome

An exhibition at Putney library in Disraeli Road is showcasing evidence of the area’s rich cycling history coinciding with the Olympics road race passing through the town.

This old photograph is from when Putney had its own velodrome situated between Hotham Road and Landford Road. Also on display is one of the veledromes programs dated 1896.

11:48am

Ewan Wickham, 13, and sister Amy in Walton for the Olympics road race

Ewan Wickham, 13, and sister Amy, 11, after the race came through Walton.

He said: "I thought it was fantastic. It was very fast as well.

"It looked like all of GB at the front.

"I'm watching the women's tomorrow as well.

"I'm going to watch the Olympics on TV but it's amazing to have it on your door step."

11:45am

Here are some more people who helped make it happen.

Olympic volunteers

Volunteers left to right: Geoff Thomas, Linda Robson, Stephen Moulds and David Holman.

Linda Robson, who is six months pregnant, was in the middle of a road behind a bollard as the cyclists stormed through.

She said: "I race myself and do iron man across Europe and rely on volunteers, so I wanted to do it during the Games.

"It was lovely to be in the middle of the cyclists. They came right past me because I was literally in the road.

"The cars came through first, and then the bikes at the same time and speed, which shows how fast they go. It was incredible."

11:38am

Much like the opening ceremony last night, it's the hard work and dedication of people involved in the Games that make them so great.

Spelthorne Sergeant Josh Parish could not watch the race in Walton because he had to keep an eye on the crowd.

He said: "It was a once in a lifetime experience. I had to turn my back on the race to watch the crowd for threats and wasn't allowed to watch it.

"I don't finish until 7pm or 8pm so I won't be able to watch it on the TV either.
"It was a great atmosphere though and it's a lovely town to watch it in."

11:36am

Nerves didn't get the better of Bromley's Ellen Gandy and she's through to the 100m butterfly semi final. Click here for the full report.

11:22am

 

11:20am

Anyone looking for examples of how best to celebrate the Olympics need look no further than Richmond, where hordes of people are brandishing beers, enjoying some food and waiting for the race to return.

Picnics are the order of the day and people have come prepared with step ladders, tents and blankets.

Can we do it all again tomorrow? Yes we can.

11:06am

Good news for Bromley girl Ellen Gandy though...

 

11:04am

Sad news for New Malden's Sophie Troiano...

10:58am

Walton Olympics road race

The crowds have just gone crazy for the cyclists in Walton. Small group of front runners, and the rest followed en masse a few minutes later. Incredible atmosphere and a wonder to behold.

10:56am

The road race got off to a sunny start... Read more here

10:48am

The cyclists are in Elmbridge, the helicopter is near Walton and spectators can hear announcements. They're getting close!

10:45am

Great shot of the cyclists going though Putney

Olympic road race through Putney

10:41am

Dog on the route in Richmond, but thankfully nobody was affected. That could have been nasty.

The cyclists zoomed through Richmond Park and people are now leaving almost as quickly, either to enjoy the rest of the day or find another vantage point for later.

Bushy Park looked beautiful on television.

In Walton people are getting very excited, watching from car parks, balconies, shop rooftops and even from the top of a church spire.

10:29am

Crowds in Richmond Park are doing London and Britain proud. Loads of enthusiasm and people have really made an effort to cheer them on! Small bottleneck at Richmond Gate, but no one seems to mind too much.

10:28am

Road race leaders pass through Puney
Road race leaders pass through Putney

10:26am

Cyclists have been spotted in Richmond Park. I'm not convinced these are the Olympians though...

10:25am

Team GB cyclists before Olympics road race

Team GB cyclists before the start of the road race - massice cheers for the Brits obviously.

10:23am

Ambulance escorted through Walton
Ambulance escorted through Walton. Do not forget to check road closures or leave your cars at home. Access is for emergency vehicles only down the route.

10:19am

Start of Olympics road race

10:15am

Games Maker Michael Foster, said he was "blown away" by the ceremony and felt "proud to British"
Games Maker Michael Foster, said he was "blown away" by the ceremony and felt "proud to British"

10:12am

Putney has never seen anything like it. People are calling this The Tour de Putney. But all talk is of last nights "incredible" ceremony.

10:11am

Team vehicles passing through Putney high street, finalising tactics and strategy.
Team vehicles passing through Putney High Street, finalising tactics and strategy.

10:07am

Spectators are three deep in Richmond Park now. Crowds are cheering police cyclists and motorcyclists, with one rogue cyclist tailing behind and high fiving those on the route for his own taste of Olympic glory.

10:07am

Aerial view of road race in Walton
The cyclists are off, and here's our view from a multi-storey car park in Walton.

Other crafty spectators have nabbed the top storey of one of the car parks to use as a viewing point.

10:04am

Puney start of the road race
The official start in the Mall is just two minutes away from here in Putney... flags are out and excitement mounts.

9:56am

Here's a brief view of Richmond Park as spectators arrive to watch the road race.

9:54am

Kelly Edwards will be taking part in the Judo shortly - click here to read her profile.

9:50am

In Walton, Charlotte, 17, Debbie, 39, and Molly Read, 14.
In Walton, Charlotte, 17, Debbie, 39, and Molly Read, 14.

Charlotte, fresh back from guide camp, said she was exhausted from guiding activities but could not miss the race.

She said: "It's quite a big deal having it in Walton. The opening ceremony was amazing, it really spurs you on to come and see it. We normally just watch at home on the TV, but we had to come down."

9:48am

crowds in Putney for Olympics road race
Thousands of people already lining the streets in Putney awaiting the mens road race.

9:45am

9:42am

Bunting out at the Heart in Walton for Olympics road race

The bunting is out at the Heart in Walton but the crowds are thin at the moment. Still just over an hour until Cavendish shows up, so plenty of time for everyone to arrive.

Parking at the Heart is open as normal for all those able to drive, although it is recommended people leave their cars at home.

9:38am

Tim and Kat Hutton came down from Hertfordshire

Tim and Kat Hutton came down from Hertfordshire for the day and are leaving this evening.

Mr Hutton said: "We bought the sunglasses for an Olympics party three weeks ago.

"We didn't get any tickets so I guess had it not been for the Tour de France we wouldn't have come today. Thought we'd dip out toes in."

9:26am

9:19am

It seems the cycling fan's alarms have gone off now after last night's spectacular late night finish and people are all of a sudden streaming into Richmond Park by bike and on foot.

Reporter Rachel Bishop said excitement is building as people traverse the park to find a prime position.

9:17am

There are a couple of hundred people in Richmond Park at the moment but it's all very spread out so there's still time to get a top spot!

9:16am

From front to back:Clive Grimshaw, Emma Mckniff, James Clark-Grimshaw and Amanda, Derek and Karen Grimshaw Richmond park Olympics road race

From front to back: Clive Grimshaw, Emma Mckniff, James Clark-Grimshaw and Amanda, Derek and Karen Grimshaw.

Clive Grimshaw has picked up a prime position after arriving at 5.45am.

Clive said: "We are from Yorkshire and we stayed in Norfolk.

"We didn't know how many people would be here. We've come just for the day. It's the only way we could be involved in the Olympics and get to see what we want to see."

9:07am

Richmond Park crowds building for road race

Rachel Bishop is in Richmond Park, where crowds are slowly building. Fifty thousand people are expected there today and tomorrow to watch the man's and women's road races.

9:00am

Good luck to judoka Kelly Edwards, who lives in Gravesend. She's taking part in the  women's -48kg event later today.

8:43am

Mark Cavendish presents Team GB with their first realistic chance of a gold medal in the 2012 Olympic Games when the Olympic Road Race takes place today over a challenging 250-kilometre course.

World champion Cavendish is the pre-race favourite for a medal with the course well suited to his sprinting style.

The race begins at 10am, and depending on the pace is expected to finish on The Mall around 4.15pm.

The riders will take in nine circuits of a 15.5-kilometre which features the tough climb of Box Hill, and is the longest course ever used for the Olympic Road Race.

8:39am

If you're out and about today, let us know what you're up to and send us your pictures. Leave comments below, email olympics@london.newsquest.co.uk or tweet @LondonersGames .

8:17am

In case there is anyone in the country who did miss it - here's a round-up of last night's opening ceremony.

8:00am

Club Captain of Molesey Boat Club, Andrew Triggs-Hodge is feeling the love this morning...

 

7:55am

LATE qualifier Nicola Wilson will be the first of the Team GB eventing team to compete. She had some nice things to say about Greenwich Park.

7:38am

Thousands enjoyed the Olympic opening ceremony party on Blackheath Common last night. Click here to read more...

7:17am

Here's one on the Olympians we'll be keeping an eye on - Janine Sandell from Anerley.

7:08am

And if you're not interested in sport, Vinny has a different reason you might be interested in the Games.

7:06am

The spectacular of last night's opening ceremony has hopefully got everyone into the spirit of things.

Loads going on today - the men's road race kicks off at 10am and you can also catch a bit of Judo, swimming, volleyball and rowing to name but a few.

Let us know what you'll be watching in the comments below and we'll feature a selection in the blog.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree