On the first day of Olympic events, Saturday August 9, the gruelling men’s Olympic road cycling race was decided amongst controversy for supporters.
It was not the pollution that some predicted would be a barrier to overcome during the endurance race, but the over-the-top security around the course.
Families were prevented from watching the event while cyclists were forced to ride their race without encouragement or cheering from traditional road-side supporters.
The riders battled the six hour race through excessive heat and humidity in total silence but fans and family members of competitors had a battle of their own to contend with – trying to penetrate the “ridiculous” security measures preventing them from watching the race.
Many argued with law enforcement officials but to no avail. A security barricade around the 23km racing circuit was impenetrable for most. Some took the law into their own hands.
