What a privilege to be present at such a fantastic event. I hope the television pictures were as good as it felt being there.

The atmosphere was friendly and positive from everyone – the guides, the security, the armed forces personnel and the police. And all the spectators from home and abroad responded accordingly.

Everything seemed to work pretty efficiently too – there was no sign of any shortfall in staffing, and nobody seemed confused or uncertain about their roles. In short, in the Great British Sports of whingeing, moaning and complaining we have fallen at the first hurdle – there was nothing to find fault with at all!

You’ll have your own view about the content of the show – I felt it presented an interesting if perhaps highly selective view of the British story, and it seemed to focus more on a glorious past that appeared to peter out in the mid-seventies rather than telling a more modern story, but maybe that’s the way it felt. Looking back, there were plenty of more up to date references later in the evening. And certainly the special effects and scene changes were spectacular and dramatic – as good as anything I have seen anywhere in the world.

Rowan Atkinson’s take on the Chariots of Fire piece was excellent too – it showed the rest of the world that we Brits not only can laugh at ourselves, but also that we love doing it and don’t mind the rest of the world knowing it.

From the cycling point of view, I was very happy to see Bradley Wiggins given the role of opening proceedings by ringing the giant bell – fantastic recognition for him – and of course Sir Chris Hoy leading in the Great Britain team.

All in all, a fantastic start to the 2012 London Olympic Games. Now, let the Games commence!