Wet conditions make for two interesting Olympic Individual Time Trial events

The first official day of Olympic competition was as damp as the opening ceremonies. There may not have been the hope of a Céline Dion performance, but that didn’t keep the cycling fans away. Umbrellas helped carve the spectators’ positions along the barricades and in the stands lining the finish line of the Individual Time Trial course. It was the first time in Olympics history that both the women and men shared the same route. The 32.4-kilometre out-and-back started at the Esplanade des Invalides, cut across the city, through the Bois de Vincennes, and then turned back, ending on the Pont Alexandre III.

Boat tours drifted along the Seine, under the action, with the Eiffel Tower serving as a quintessential Parisian backdrop behind the hot seat. The announcer and music worked to keep the crowds engaged as the weather just refused to let up throughout the day. It was a soggy walk around the venue itself, so it’s hard to imagine having to head out on a bike.

There was a lot of cautious cornering, but slippery corners and the white road paint lines took out several riders, including many favourites—some more than once. Even a mechanic did an unfortunate face plant, trying to run a bike to a downed cyclist in the women’s race.

The time of Canada’s Olivia Baril put her in 20th place. Grace Brown of Australia and Anna Henderson of Great Britain both had strong rides despite the icy conditions and were jubilant with their Gold and Silver medals. And a fall may have eliminated an opportunity at gold, but Chloé Dygert of the U.S. was already on a tear and mentioned the adrenaline that helped her manage to win the bronze. “It’s been a long road to get back to the Olympics,” said Dygert, who has had a number of setbacks these last handful of years. “I’m very thankful. This has been a true blessing and I’m grateful for all the support.” Dygert said she wouldn’t complain about the weather, because she does enjoy riding wet conditions and is used to how icy and slick the roads can be.

Brown, who is set to retire at the end of the season, acknowledged all the people who have supported her and given her the strength to go after a medal. “I was coming here to do my fastest, strongest race that I could do and whatever the result was after the line, I was going to be happy with it as long as I executed my race as best I could,” she said. “I…