Expert opinion Luke Evans

“I am one of three motorcycle drivers driving stills photographers in the road events of the Rio Games. The other two are Belgians with many Classics and Grand Tours between them. Was the final descent of the road race, where many riders crashed, too dangerous? We ride down hundreds of descents that are just as difficult in races all over Europe, the Belgian drivers and I agreed. But was this a descent that should have decided the possible outcome of two Olympic gold medals? Maybe not, we felt. And I would add that there were a couple of obviously wicked corners which really should have had better crash protection.

“In the women’s event there was some very light drizzle over the tops of the climbs but the final descent was not wet and we came down it in front of the race just as fast as the men’s race the previous day. The terrible crash of Annemiek van Vleuten was quite likely on the same right-hand corner which Geraint Thomas crashed on. I went down it five times last weekend and would still like to have another bash at getting it right on the motorbike.

“The pre-games build-up in the UK press has been unfair on Rio. I have not seen a single mosquito and am pretty sure I haven’t been bitten by one. Around Copacabana the streets are lively and unthreatening and the Brazilians, even the heavily armed soldiers who have to search us daily, have been courteous and friendly.