This regrettable episode has not however affected the very pleasing response to the first days of competition. The UCI President Pat McQuaid commented:

"We have witnessed two magnificent races held on a fascinating course under completely different conditions: both the heat of Saturday's race and yesterday's heavy rain contributed to making the events more difficult but more spectacular. We saw top-class athletes battling it out for the Olympic medals. In particular, I would highlight the performance of the women who displayed an immense amount of courage during an event that was very hard right from the start."