The organisers of the London Olympics announced the route of the men's and women's time trials today. For both they're going to be single loops starting and finishing at Hampton Court - Tudor masterpiece of  Henry VIII - by the Thames in suburban west Lodon. For the guys it's a 44km race and 29km for the women. My take on the course and the favourites below.

 The words that come to mind when I think of this course are flat, untechnical and suburban. And shitty tarmac and gettng buzzed by car drivers. Most of the route is rolling at best with a few long false flats but no slopes above 5% and if they are its for maybe 100m top. The roads are generally wide A-roads though it'll slim down at a few places. So basically they'll be on the aerobars for all of this. That appliesto both the men's and women's even if the latter is being billed as hillier.

A power rider has to be the favorite. That makes it hard to look past Fabian Cancellara - if he wants the medal it's his is may take. If Taylor Phinney fulfils his promise he could mount a challenge unless he's on the track. Otherwise someone like Grabsch maybe. But basically Fabulous can probably start cashing cheques from this already.

For the women Emma Pooley's chances are being bigged-up but I think it lacks sufficient climbiness for her. Kirstin Armstrong is probably my favourite if she can get back to her 2008 form.

Anyone else willingto make an early bet?