Members of the Easy Offices team went out to wave their British flags last weekend as the men and women’s Olympic road racers cycled through Surrey.
After starting out at the Mall in central London the cyclists rode in a large ring that took them through West London and around the county of Surrey. On their way the riders passed right by Walton-on-Thames,Ă‚Â where Easy Offices are based.
Thousands of local residents turned out to line the cycle route and cheer on team GB, among them was Easy Offices director Andrew Hogan who commented: “Our whole family went out with their flags to cheer on the men in the glorious sunshine on Saturday and then the women the following day in the pouring rain on the Sunday. The weatherĂ‚Â made no difference to everyone’s spirits as the roads wereĂ‚Â still lined with people all cheering on their respectiveĂ‚Â national teams.
“Walton-on-Thames made aĂ‚Â fantastic effort and put on a great Olympic fair which had something for everyone; children’s rides, face painting, food stalls, beer tent for the adults and big screens to show different Olympic events.
“I have to say I’ve been really surprised with how the Olympics has had an effect on me. I’ve always been patrioticĂ‚Â but since the opening ceremony and seeing the reaction of the crowds cheering on Team GB its really has lifted me to a new level so much so that I’m watching all sorts of Olympic events wishing on any British hopefuls. Come on Team GB!”
On Saturday the men completed a punishing route of 250 kilometres (approx. 156 miles) and on Sunday the women rode a total of 140 kilometres (approx. 87 miles).
There was British disappointment in the Men’s race when star sprinter, Mark Cavendish, failed to win a medal after the peloton tried in vain to bring back a group of break away riders. However there were celebrations at the Women’s race on Sunday when, despite the wet and rainy conditions, Lizzie Armitstead brought home the Silver for Britain.
Easy Offices team member, Sophie Kent, was also watching the race from Hampton Court, she said: “We had a prime view and it all went pretty quick; as soon as we saw them they were gone! But the crowd were out in force screaming and cheering and it all made me feel very patriotic.”
Easy Offices Director, Andy de Wet Steyn, saw all the excitement from Twickenham, he added: “Part of the route that they take is the exact route that I ride every morning to work, I timed them from Hampton Court Bridge to just near where our office is in Walton which is just overĂ‚Â four miles. The leaders did it in 6 and a half mins, with my personal best being 12 mins; not bad for a 41 year old on a hybrid bike!”
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