An all-star cast, packed with WorldTour experience, and a demanding circuit through Glasgow meant the Commonwealth Games men’s road race was always likely to be an enthralling event.
With Lizzie Armitstead and Emma Pooley having already triumphed in the women’s road race to deliver gold and silver respectively for England, the rain-battered Glaswegian streets saw the home nations’ men engage in a similar war of attrition with their Antipodean rivals.
Geraint Thomas took gold for Wales, seizing his opportunity to be the leading man after burying himself in the service of his Team Sky team-mates at the Tour de France.
The Welsh were in hugely impressive form, as were England – led by bronze medal winner Scott Thwaites, one of a number of young British riders to catch the eye.
And with Thomas’ gold, Garmin-Sharp’s Jack Bauer (New Zealand) winning silver, and Team Sky’s Peter Kennaugh (Isle of Man) showcasing his talent with a brave solo break, the WorldTour’s best certainly lived up to their pre-race billing.
So what did we learn from the race, as the riders were given the rare opportunity of swapping their trade team jerseys for national colours? Read our five observations over the following pages.
