Olympic Cycling

I got another chance to be an Olympic spectator as the cycling passed through town not too far from our apartment. I couldn't turn down the chance to see an event within walking distance, and anyway it was going to be over in a matter of seconds. We stood waiting with a pretty huge crowd and loads of volunteers kitted out in their purple uniforms and cheer, shepherding people across the road at crossings. Someone nearby was watching the tv coverage on their phone as we were waiting and could see that wherever they passing through at that moment it was pouring rain. And so we waited wondering whether the cyclists would arrive before everyone got soaked. We were teased a few times with the arrival of police escorts and team cars, each causing a ripple of anticipation to spread out in the crowd followed by a big sigh. In the end the rain arrived just before the riders, and in the space of about 30 seconds all the riders passed through and miraculously not one crashed despite going really fast on the wet road and through the tight curve we were standing at. At the end of the 30 seconds everyone was drenched and ran off just as quickly. It's nice to say I saw the race but I'm just as glad I didn't have to pay this time. Update: The cycling came our way again, this time the men's time trial. And they slowed down enough to actually see who they were!