Awesome is a word that is in common use these days. So let’s use awe-inspiring instead. Dictionary definition; causing awe; spectacular; magnificent. No, that’s still not enough, let’s try the synonyms as well; breathtaking, astonishing, impressive, remarkable, wonderful, majestic, stunning. I’ll tell you what, none of these words come close to describing the performance of Bradley Wiggins in today’s Olympic Time Trial.

Just ten days after he won the greatest race on the planet, Bradley did it again, not just beating but outclassing the best in the world to win a seventh Olympic medal, his fourth gold, a totally, totally amazing record.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Chris Froome took the bronze as well!

I was privileged – and I don’t use that word lightly – absolutely, utterly, privileged, to witness Bradley’s performance live from the following guest car, and it really was fantastic. He made it look so easy, the mark of a true champion – because riding a bike alone and unpaced at an average speed of 52.113kms an hour on twisting urban and suburban roads is never ever going to be anything like easy.

And to see crowds often five or six deep, many of them youngsters who will remember this day for the rest of their lives, lining the entire route, shouting, cheering, waving their flags and banners was astonishing. Everyone involved with the race from the rest of the world was amazed, just as they had been for the weekend’s road races. They had never seen so many people at a bike race, even the Tour de France. I’ve been to Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and numerous World Championships, and I’ve certainly never seen anything like it.

The Hampton Court Palace setting was itself stunning too, and the medal ceremony, complete with Gurkhas was just perfect. I can tell you that everyone I spoke to; IOC, BOA, LOCOG, UCI, all of them were so pleased and delighted by the event. Sport doesn’t get more perfect than this.

What’s also nice to see is that Bradley really has grown into the role of national sporting hero now. He seems far more comfortable with success than he did, say, after Beijing. He handles it much, much better, his personality shines through, and as a result the Great British Public have truly taken him to their hearts. Bradley, you deserve it. And by the way, not only are you now the greatest ever British Olympian, you are now unquestionably the best bike rider on the planet.

I can’t finish today’s blog without a word about the other British competitors today. Chris Froome’s third place was a remarkable achievement in itself. After finishing second to Brad in the Tour, he has again shown that he can always be relied upon for an absolutely top-class result on the biggest of occasions. A super-nice guy who will, I am sure, achieve much, much more in our sport.

And gutsy rides too from Emma Pooley and Lizzie Armitstead in the Women’s race. The course was hardly suited to Emma’s talents, being flat by most standards, yet she still returned a decent sixth place. I hope she wasn’t too disappointed after her Silver in Beijing. I know she sets herself high standards and she too has much more to give to our sport. Lizzie put in a really great ride too – I’m sure she won’t mind me saying that she is not by any means a time trial specialist, and tenth place was an absolutely excellent result for her.

So I finished the day surrounded by friends from around the world, all happy and delighted with an unforgettable day’s bike racing. Now, bring on the track!