Day 1 of the games, and the men's road cycling was today (overnight technically, but close enough).

He may have finished 40th, it's a beautiful requiem for a great competitive cycling career for George Hincapie. He's arguably been one of the greatest, though quietest, contributors to American cycling for 15 years. He played a key role in Lance Armstrong's string of Tour de France victories. He rode last night in his 5th games. That's amazing longevity in the cycling world, and he's done it with a reputation for generosity and class. Oh, and he's never been surrounded by any rumors of doping. This is an even bigger rarity in cycling of the last decade.

Imagine finishing what may well be your last race (and certainly your last Olympic Games ride) at the Great Wall of China. That's one Hell of a way to go out of a cycling career.

Thanks, George, for some great memories. And thanks for being one of the good guys....


(Editorial note: I was sorry to see that "local" boy Dave Zabriskie DNFed. Evidently the humidity was brutal.
Also, Andy Schleck of Luxembourg finished fifth and was in the same time as the medalists. Considering how hard he rode during the Tour which ended two weeks ago- and the fact that he earned himself the best young rider jersey with that riding- I'm very impressed. I'm hoping to see more great things from him in the future.)