TONY BLAIR PAYS TRIBUTE TO BRITAIN'S CYCLISTS
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.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair watches Jason Kenny as the young Brit watches Chris Hoy.
Tony Blair gets to meet Cycling Weekly's Deputy Editor.
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OLYMPIC GAMES 2008: TRACK |
Preview: Day five at the Laoshan
Brad on Cav: He's like a schoolkid he's so up for it
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
From rower to cyclist: Romero takes an emotional gold
Brits smash world team pursuit record in round one
Tough day for the Dutch
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
Hoy and Edgar clean up in the Keirin
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
Burke blasts to new individual pursuit PB
British track stars raring to go
What makes the Laoshan such a challenge
Picture special: CW takes you inside the Laoshan velodrome
Saturday's preview
Friday's preview
Can these legs make an Olympic champion?
Cavendish unlikely to ride individual pursuit
How many medals will Britain's riders win?
OLYMPIC GAMES 2008: NEWS |
Positive test for cyclist at Olympic Games
Bettini chasing second Olympic gold
Romero poses nude for ad
British quartet eyeing new world record
As Olympics approach two new drugs emerge
Beijing Blog
Beijing Blog 2
Beijing Blog 3
OLYMPIC GAMES 2008: ROAD |
Picture special: Women's time trial
Cancellara wins men's time trial gold
Men's time trial reaction: Steve Cummings on his ride
Women's time trial reaction: I feel fantastic, says Pooley
Pooley wins silver in women's time trial
Cooke's secret was the skinsuit
What the papers say... about Nicole Cooke
Analysis: women's road race
Gold for Nicole Cooke in Women?s road race
Reaction: It?s a dream to win Gold, says Cooke
Women's Olympic road race picture special
Sanchez gives Spain gold in thrilling men?s road race
Who is Samuel Sanchez?
Tactical analysis: Reading the men?s Olympic road race
British riders suffer in hot and humid Olympic road race
Rebellin misses out on golden birthday
Brailsford confident ahead of women?s road race
OLYMPIC GAMES 2008: GUIDE |
Olympics cycling results>>
Cycling event schedule>>
Great Britain rider profiles>>
Cycling event guide>>
Photo gallery>>
Every British cycling medal ever won at the Olympic Games
From paupers to kings: The lottery funded revolution>>
Track results at the Worlds and Olympics 2004-2008
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