Chris Boardman

Thanks very much for all your encouragement this week, it's really helped and I've made it to the end of the week in good heart, thanks to you lot!

In fact, the week ended on a high note when Spokes and I attended a special screening of a new documentary - Bicycle. The film tells the story of the rise, fall and re-birth of cycling in Britain and was thoroughly enjoyable. Do check it out if you get the chance!

What made it all the more fun was a Q&A session afterwards with director, Michael B Clifford; producer, Pip Piper, and contributors Ned Boulting (broadcaster/journalist) and local lad Chris Boardman.

I thought Chris was one of the most interesting 'talking heads' in the film and his campaigning passion for the economic and health benefits of investing in 'cycling for all, not just the elite' really shone through. He also spoke very eloquently and entertainingly in response to questions from the audience and I was particularly struck by the work he's doing to get politicians of all parties to sign up to spending £10 per head of population on the national cycling infrastructure (in the Netherlands they spend the equivalent of £20) which he reckons would revolutionise the transport system and society in general!

Afterwards, I just had to go and say hello to the panel, tell them how much I enjoyed the film and ask for a couple of shots.

The lighting was abysmal but it's not every day I get to meet an Olympic gold medallist (Barcelona, 1992), Tour de France yellow jersey wearer and former world record holder. So, here's Mr Boardman!

The film screening was timed to coincide with the start of the Tour of Britain here in Liverpool on Sunday. I'll will be there to report!