Mountain bike will feature two events on the London 2012 Olympic program - men's and women's cross-country.  In both events there are no heats, as competitors in each event all start together, and the first rider to cross the finish line wins.

The events will be held at Hadleigh Farm in Essex, about 60km east of London.  The venue also includes the countryside of Hadleigh Castle Country Park. The course is located on an open hillside, which is a new concept for mountain bike events typically held in forested areas.

London 2012 Storylines:
Mountain bike was only added to the Olympic program in 1996, but French racers have won the last three Olympic gold medals in the men's event, with Julien Absalon winning in Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004, while Miguel Martinez took top spot in Sydney 2000.

France is also expected to contend for gold on the women's side, thanks to Julie Bresset. Although no French woman has ever won an Olympic medal in the mountain bike discipline, Bresset will be looking to alter that streak in London.

Canada's Outlook:
Canada has earned two medals in Olympic mountain bike since it was first added to the Olympic program in 1996.  Both medals were silver and won by Canadian women: Alison Sydor in Atlanta 1996 and Marie-Hélène Prémont in Athens 2004.

Prémont is still competing and remains an athlete to watch.  A six-time Canadian champion, she was forced out of the Olympic race early in Beijing 2008 due to hyperventilation and a racing pulse.

One of Canada's top medal hopefuls for London 2012 is Catharine Pendrel.  After finishing fourth in Beijing 2008, missing the podium by just nine seconds, she has become a world leader in mountain biking, claiming the 2011 Elite Women’s XC MTB World Championship title.

On the men's side, veteran Geoff Kabush, who finished 20th in Beijing 2008 but had a 9th place finish in Sydney 2000, will lead the charge. Derek Zandstra has also achieved good results in 2011 and hopes to make his Olympic debut in London.

International Athletes – At a Glance:

Men

Julien Absalon – France

• 2004 and 2008 Olympic Champion
• Four-time World Champion (2004-07); 2009 World silver medallist; 2011 World bronze medallist

• 2008 Olympic bronze medallist
• 2010 overall World Cup champion
• 2011 World silver medallist

• 2008 Olympic bronze medallist
• 2007 and 2009 World Champion
• Fourth at 2011 World Championships

• 2008 Olympic Champion and 2004 Olympic bronze medallist
• 2003 World Champion, two-time World silver medallist