This really has nothing to do with the inspirational Hollywood flick but has something that is far more important and far more real at stake. It is not a Pseudo sport and it does not have a set script. The Olympics is the ultimate dream of every athlete and to stand on the top step of that podium is what they think about with every drop of blood and sweat that goes in to the preparation. With every Olympics comes not just the ultimate test of the athlete but also the ultimate test of technology in sports. Those magic boots woven with threads of gold, that perfect swimsuit to reduce drag and that perfect body suit to give that extra hundredth of a second in the hundred meter sprint- they all are an integral part of the modern Olympics. Now the perfect green machine- bicycle, finds its very own pinnacle.
Koga Miyata has designed this million dollar bike for the Olympic qualifier from Holland, Theo Bos. The bicycle has been designed with a budget of million dollars and one would pretty much feel that it is not too modest. It is a seamless piece of technological marvel. It has no brakes and can cut through the air without drag, much like hot knife through butter. Despite that, one wonders if there has been enough wind-tunnel testing with Theo as a part of the machine himself. If one has learnt anything from Lance, then it is the fact that the rider is a part of the bike.
It is interesting to note that this probably is the most expensive green vehicle that you will find and on a day when we are celebrating the greenery around us, it makes perfect sense. Just keep in mind the names of Holland and Theo Bos and come Beijing 2008 we will find out if the investment paid off. A million dollars for one Olympic gold- that indeed is a cheap bargain! I just hope the athletes are as clean as the vehicles come Beijing!
