When the conversation ended and Bradshaw stood to leave, Axelson walked over and gave him a big hug, to appreciative applause from the audience.

The man between the sticks is the relatively unheard of Eduardo, who plays for Braga, and has been a reliable custodian for Carlos Quieroz all through qualifying.

But it was still a bear. I peddled away quickly enough to have qualified for Britain's 2012 Olympic cycling squad.