About 100 protesters briefly delayed the Olympic torch relay through Vancouver Friday morning and forced the flame to bypass awaiting veterans.

The veterans were awaiting the torch while standing at the cenotaph at Victory Square park but their moment was ruined when a gaggle of anti-Olympic protesters blocked off Hastings Street.

Police on foot, bike and riot horses tried to move the activists along as the actual torchbearer stood at a standstill a block behind.

After a few tense minutes, organizers chose to reroute the relay around the park – thus avoiding both protesters and veterans alike.

The relay continues Friday until the torch reaches its final destination at BC Place Stadium for the open ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Matt Kieltyka reports for Vancouver 24 hours.