Words About Things

A high speed ‘Javelin’ train that will speed up journey times for visitors to the 2012 Olympics has been tested in London. The train took 30 minutes to get from St Pancras station to Ashford in Kent, a journey that usually takes 80 minutes. The Javelin train will act as a shuttle taking spectators from St Pancras station to the Olympics site at Stratford in just seven minutes. It is part of a series of major investments in London’s transport system in order to prepare for the influx of visitors in 2012.

London aims to improve it’s public transport system and provide green alternatives for 2012. Walking and cycling routes are being created in order to encourage spectators to ‘stride or ride’ to the events in order to reduce congestion.

Although the Olympic committee is focusing on green and low cost travel alternatives the influx of people into London will also benefit other areas of the transport industry. Taxi cabs and car hire companies are sure to benefit. Those who offer car hire at Heathrow airport or a taxi ride out to the east end will no doubt see a rise in customers.

Lewis Hamilton’s last minute victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix secured his place in the record books. He became the first ever Black driver to win the title as well and the youngest ever winner. It may also have been enough to secure the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

It’s been a great year for British sport with 47 medals being brought home from the 2008 Olympics. Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and Rebecca Adlington all won multiple gold medals. This resulted in a 4th place overall for team GB and a lot of anticipation for London 2012.

Joe Calzaghe continued his undefeated run with victory over Roy Jones, Jr. on the 8th November, at Madison Square Garden. Having won the BBC prize last year however he is unlikely to win this year. Several sports men (and women) have won the award twice including Damon Hill and Henry Cooper but never two years in a row. It is not out of the question however, in fact on Bet365′s sport betting page you can get odds of 50/1 which might tempt me if it wasn’t for Hamilton’s amazing year.

It makes a change to bet on a sports awards show as it is more of a subjective matter than with football betting or horse betting where past form is taken into consideration.