Box Hill defiled by graffiti artist
Warning: This story may offend. The new road surface of Surrey landmark and cyclists' favourite Box Hill has been defiled by a lewd graffiti artist.
The famous climb has been resurfaced ahead of the Olympic Games road race in July, but now the pristine tarmac has been decorated with a white spray-painted item of male anatomy.
The size of the 'artwork' means that it would be clearly visible from aerial television shots if left on the road when the Games take place.
It's been a long-held tradition to decorate the roads along the route of road races, particularly on climbs. And this certainly isn't the first time that someone has created a sizeable likeness of a gentleman's genitalia.
Needless to say, the graffiti has caused widespread reaction from cycling fans on the internet, from outrage to amusement. Here are a selection of comments left on Cycling Weekly's Facebook page.
"Cretins," said Martin Emmerson. "Why bother to wreck peoples rides with that!?" added Dylan Edwards.
Brian Sewell, sorry Peter Sarwan gave his critique: "Not a bad effort, but it needs pubes and better definition around the b*****ks."
Others are more concerned about the welfare of the artist himself. "If that's anatomically correct, based on the culprit who drew that, then that guy needs to see doctor," said Ross J Higgins.
Voice of reason Colin Ewing concluded: "Why is anyone bothered by this? Has the British sense of humour totally gone? Arguably not all that funny but it's not hurting anyone, is it."
And ever the cyclist, Simon Bradeley was more interested in the rider's technique than the image on the road: "Forget the picture... Nice track stand!"
Related links
Sybrandy sets new Strava KoM on Box Hill
Reader comments
Add your comments
JD
May 11 11:57
It would be less of an issue if they'd spray-painted someting about Coppi or Cav. I'm guessing they weren't cycling historians.
Max
May 11 12:10
I would have completed the picture with a backside on top; just to illustrate the charging to watch the road race on Box Hill
rolf
May 11 12:24
'Can you tell what it is yet?'
Jon
May 11 13:19
Bo**ox Hill?
mikef
May 11 16:58
Well the picture shows what he is
Rofl Harris
May 11 17:54
First world problems... Just get your Mr Muscle and a few rags out. ;-)
borderfox
May 11 19:15
cant see why Lord Coe shouldn't have his face painted on the road
Paul G
May 11 21:14
It looks like one of those tomato sauce dispenser bottles, that are supposed to look like tomatoes, but don't.
Sp Oakes
May 11 22:18
Before the tour and the giro, the continent gets Cav, Basso or Voeckler sprayed on the Tarmac, we get a pair of bo**ox. Says it all really
john T
May 11 23:05
All that fuss over such a small thing
Doug
May 12 10:36
I believe that's called the money shot.
Steve Young
May 15 09:35
So your right his track stand is excellent it took me 30 secs to find the right camera app on my phone! Here's something cycling fans on the continent will understand these pictures are not uncommon, and if you think it will be the only one I'd be very surprised. The NT have provided a wonderful blank canvas I'd love to see something from Banksy up there!
Euro-ness
May 20 21:02
Now..... this isn't very euro at all, no prominent logo's, clearly not enough white, and why is this rider not sat in a chair supping an espresso while on the phone and a lovely lady giving him a shoulder rub???? a lot to learn Mr Photographer!!