Helsinki 2005 IAAF World Athletics Championships

I flew from London to Helsinki, then rode my bike out to the GB pre-competition camp at Turku. This is me enjoying the forests of Finland.

This is the statute of Paavo Nurmi in Turku. Paavo won 9 gold and 3 silver medals at the 1920, 1924, and 1928 Olympic Games. He was born in Turku. I spent a few days cycling and ferrying around the islands offshore from Turku. I also visited the Aland Islands, midway between Finland and Sweden. Came across the Swedish team at their pre-competition camp in Mariehamn.

Kajsa Bergqvist (SWE) is overcome with joy after winning the Women's High Jump with 2.02 m.

Brad Walker (USA) shows off his silver medal from the Men's Pole Vault Final. Rens Blom (NED) was the upset winner with 5.80 m, Brad Walker (USA) was second with 5.75 m, and Pavel Gerasimov (RUS) was third with 5.65 m. Performances were hampered by the rain. This photo was taken underneath one of platforms for the TV cameras. We sat here out of the rain while everyone else got soaked. Best seat in the whole stadium. In the background is Elson de Souza and Fabiana Murer (BRA).

Steve Hooker (AUS) telling Rens Blom (NED) that his winning jump was a bit dodgy.

Yelena Isinbayeva (RUS) clears a new world record (5.01 m) in the Women's Pole Vault Final.

The medal winners from the Women's Pole Vault Final. Yelena Isinbayeva (RUS) won with 5.01 m, Monika Pyrek (POL) was second with 4.60 m, and Pavla Rybová (CZE) was third with 4.50 m.

Monika Pyrek (POL).

Paula Radcliffe (GBR) won the Women's Marathon.

Pipsa and Steve Rippon with Nick.

The athletes say farewell. "Kiitos is Finnish for "thank you".

After Helsinki I spent several days riding up north. This is the main ski jumping stadium in Lahti.

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