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London 2012 Olympic Mountain Biking

travoholic | Jul 2, 2010 |

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Many mountain biking enthusiasts are looking forward to the London 2012 Olympics especially after having a look at the official Olympic mountain biking course that was approved by the UCI. The course will be one of the most demanding mountain bike courses ever designed. The course winds through Hadleigh Farm, and features riding through grasslands, forest and rocky countryside. The course will also feature two steep hills that will lead to painful steep climbs and rip roaring descents back down into the valley.

The London 2012 Olympics committee's original course was scrapped after many Olympic mountain biking athletes expressed their displeasure for the dreadfully easy course. The course was referred to as too simple and it was felt it would lead to a non eventful race.

The sport of Olympic Mountain Biking was invented in the United States but the United States is dreadfully behind when it comes to their performance in the Olympics and it does not look much better for the United States in the London 2012 Olympics.

The United States two Olympic riders in Beijing, Todd Wells and Adam Craig were stomped by the French and actually lapped on the 2.75 mile course during the 22 mile eight lap race. Craig finished 29th one lap down and Wells 43rd a dismal three laps down. With the United States stinging from the poor showing in Beijing, there has not been much advance publicity about the United States Olympic mountain biking team for the London 2012 Olympics.

The French meanwhile are relishing a return to the international stage of the London 2012 Olympics, especially since they will be held in their own backyard. Julien Absalon destroyed the competition in Beijing beating even his teammate, Jean-Christophe Peraud by one minute and seven seconds. Absalan is expected to return and repeat the feat in the London 2012 Olympics.

The other country that could dominate Olympic mountain biking on Hadleigh Farm in the London 2012 Olympics is Switzerland. Nino Schurter of Switzerland was bitterly disappointed with his performance in Beijing and is looking forward to redemption for himself and his country.

Swiss teammate, Christoph Sauser also struggled in Beijing and did not make the podium. Christoph Sauser is better than his time he posted in the past Olympic race and in the London 2012 Olympics Sauser should make the podium.

Italian rider Marco Aurelio Fontana may be another bit of a long shot to take home the gold but he is definitely in the running to make the podium. Fontana is a fearless rider that is still not beyond being patient. If Fontana is within striking distance on the last lap of the London 2012 Olympic mountain biking race it could be exciting.

One thing will be sure when the gate falls and the London 2012 Olympic mountain bike race begins, whichever rider can get out front within a the first half lap will have a decided advantage over the field. Look for the Swiss to claim the gold and possibly two podium positions.