Crowds in Kingston, Elmbridge, Twickenham, Teddington and Hampton Court watched as cyclist Bradley Wiggins raced his way to a historic gold for himself and Team GB.

Wiggins, already a two time Olympic gold medallist, zoomed across the iconic finish line as he completed the cycling road race time trials in 50 minutes and 39 seconds.

Cheered on by crowds lining the route, which featured Kingston town centre, Cobham, Esher, Twickenham and Hampton Court Palace, Wiggins delighted spectators who had waited hours to catch a glimpse of their cycling hero.

Gareth Jones, 53, at Hampton Court Palace, said: “It’s amazing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, it’s fantastic.

"That’s what we need for British cycling.”

Paul Hobrough, at Hampton Court Palace, added: “There’s only one name for sports personality of the year, that’s Bradley Wiggins.”

Thomas Simons, 38, said: "I don't think I've ever seen any crowd as excited as that. The sun came out for long enough, it was absolutely brilliant. It's been a perfect day."

Volunteers helped make the day special. Rebecca Wright, pictured, Despite spending most of the time advising tourist these two volunteers from go Kingston have had plenty of opportunity to watch the race.


Rebbeca Wright said: "We are here to help but have always managed to watch the brit riders. As soon as you here the massive cheer from the crowd you know one of ours are coming along."

Amelia Brew, six, said it was "pretty good" that Great Britian won gold and bronze in the time trial event.


Speaking on Hersham Green as the road barriers came down, she said it made up for them not winning on Saturday in the cycle race.


She said: "I kept shouting 'Go Britain, go'."

Linda Lennon, chief executive of the Royal Parks, whcih manages Bushy Park and Richmond Park, said: “It has been another busy day for the Royal Parks and we’re swelling with pride to have national hero Bradley Wiggins clinch a gold Olympic medal following an incredible sprint down the historic mile-long Chestnut Avenue in Bushy Park – huge congratulations to Bradley and to Chris Froome who won bronze for Team GB.

"Chestnut Avenue is a one mile long avenue designed by Sir Christopher Wren as a formal approach to Hampton Court Palace in the reign of William III and Mary II. The avenue is flanked on both sides by a single row of horse chestnut trees and four rows of lime trees.

"The view from Teddington Gate provides the most striking view of the avenue, with the Diana ‘Arethusa’ Fountain and the Banqueting Hall as the backdrop."