The victory of Bradley Wiggins in this year's Tour de France puts any coming Olympic

success somewhat in the shade, so great are the demands made on participants in that

famous 100-year old cycle road race.  Imagine a Frenchman scoring a century at Lords...

each day for weeks on end!   Here is my personal tribute to True Brit. Grit! 

...........................................................................................................................................

Travelling back to childhood thoughts -

When I was a pre-sixties boy,

A Raleigh Super Lenton Sports

Was my freedom's pride and joy.

 

Each month I'd spend two and six

On "Sporting Cyclist" magazine,

To get my regular monthly "fix"

Of the Continent's racing scene.

 

Following a handful of heroic Brits.,

Robinson and Hoban,..Simpson too

Whose exploits thrilled this lad to bits

Though far away - and very few!

 

But I never dreamt I'd ever see

A Brit. lead the rest a dance

And claim a miraculous victory

In the famous Tour de France.

 

For most of the coming Olympics Games

I couldn't care a fig-O!

But I'll be looking for two deserving names

And cheering on "Cav" and  "Wiggo"!