TONY BLAIR PAYS TRIBUTE TO BRITAIN'S CYCLISTS

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The final day of action at the Laoshan velodrome saw more extaordinary performances from Britain's cyclists, and some extraordinary people in the stands cheering them on.

With the events of the British cyclists over the last few days grabbing such attention it's no surprise that the velodrome was the place to be. Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone came to watch the Madison, while Princess Anne and Tony Blair stayed to the end to cheer on Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton.

Asked what he thought of the performances of the British cyclists, Blair said: "It's been unbelievable, amazing, a fantastic event for the country. They just showed such spirit, such determination and such enormous skill."

The former PM did however admit to not having a clue as to what was going on in the Madison race, but the format of the sprints is always a winner. Hoy and Pendleton delivered the cycling teams seventh and eighth medals and strengthened Great Britain's incredible third spot in the medal table. "The fact is we've had a really good Olympic Games, and we can do even better the next time, that's what we're aiming for in London," Blair said.

Tony Blair cycling Olympics 2008

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair watches Jason Kenny as the young Brit watches Chris Hoy.

Tony Blair cycling Olympics 2008

Tony Blair gets to meet Cycling Weekly's Deputy Editor.

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OLYMPIC GAMES 2008: TRACK

Preview: Day five at the Laoshan

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Day four as it happened: Team pursuit gold and another world record

Day three summary: Gold for Romero. Pendleton, Hoy in charge in sprints. Kenny the revelation

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Brits smash world team pursuit record in round one

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Preview: Monday at the Laoshan

Day two in pictures

Sunday's action as it happened

Preview: Sunday at the Laoshan

Day two at the track: Summary of the action

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Wiggins gets pursuit gold, Burke wins bronze

Newton storms to bronze in points race

Saturday's action as it happened: Two gold, a silver and two bronze for Britain

Blog: Life in Laoshan

Day one in pictures

Brits blast to team sprint gold

Day one at the track: Summary of the action

Friday's action as it happened: Gold for team sprint trio; Wiggins, Houvenaghel and Romero well in control

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British track stars raring to go

What makes the Laoshan such a challenge

Picture special: CW takes you inside the Laoshan velodrome

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Cavendish unlikely to ride individual pursuit

How many medals will Britain's riders win?

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OLYMPIC GAMES 2008: NEWS

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OLYMPIC GAMES 2008: ROAD

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Women's time trial reaction: I feel fantastic, says Pooley

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Tactical analysis: Reading the men?s Olympic road race

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Brailsford confident ahead of women?s road race

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OLYMPIC GAMES 2008: GUIDE

Olympic Games 2008 homepage>>

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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.