Britain's hopes of a golden start to the Olympics were dashed as the nation failed to pick up a medal.
But the Games got off to a fabulous start following the spectacular opening ceremony.
Huge crowds turned out to line the route of the 250km men's road race, millions watched the day's exciting competition action on TV, the weather was good and there were no reported transport problems.
Sprinter Mark Cavendish began the day as one of Team GB's best hopes for a gold and thousands of people lined the route of the men's road race through Surrey into central London. But Cavendish missed out on a podium finish amid dramatic scenes, coming in almost a minute behind the leaders.
While the route was packed with spectators, the Games' organisers Locog launched an investigation into empty seats at venues on the Olympic Park. In the Aquatic Centre - which saw a surprise visit by the Queen - there were hundreds of empty seats despite all public tickets having been sold.
A Locog spokesman said: "We are aware that some venues have empty seats this morning. We believe the empty seats are in accredited seating areas, and we are in the process of finding out who should have been in the seats and why they weren't there."
The disappointment of Cavendish's defeat was followed when Team GB's Hannah Miley could manage only fifth place in the 400 metres individual medley. She had been seen as a genuine medal hope after winning silver at last year's World Championships.
Miley was cheered on by an ecstatic home crowd at poolside but the final was won by Chinese swimmer Shiwen Ye, who set a new world record. It leaves Team GB yet to register in the medals table.
Cavendish told the BBC of his frustration at other teams' "negative tactics" which blocked his efforts in the cycling event. But he added: "We may not have won a medal but I'm completely proud of my team and completely proud of my country."
Despite the blow, spirits remained high following Friday night's spectacular opening ceremony. A UK TV audience of 26.9 million people watched the ceremony, the biggest TV audience in the UK for 14 years, according to the BBC.
UK 
