The answer to the above question is, nobody! Yes, that’s right, all 4 cycling events on the road next summer will be free, as usual. I think it’s unclear who among the big names in the sport will be riding in these races, since they come only a week after the finish of the Tour de France (the TdF is starting in June next year to give riders enough time to recover).

Cav winning the warm-up event

Cadel Evans has already said he’ll go if he’s chosen to ride for Australia, but admits the course might not be tough enough for him. I’m guessing the time trial will be his best chance. Mark Cavendish has to be the overwhelming favorite for the road race, since the course will be so flat. He’s said he’d like to win the UK’s first Gold of the games. I won’t be betting against him.

The dates and venues of the events are as follows:

• Men’s Road Race (250km): July 28th, 2012. The Mall.
• Women’s Road Race (140km): July 29th, 2012. The Mall.
• Women’s Individual Time Trial (29km): August 1st, 2012. Hampton Court Palace.
• Men’s Individual Time Trial (44km): August 1st, 2012. Hampton Court Palace.

I’ll have a pretty busy July, but I’m still thinking about making my way up to London somehow. Would any Londoners like to put up a friendly Canadian for a few days? Payment in pints only.