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After being cancelled in 2010, mountain biking is back for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, which has a beautiful course ready for riders in 2014.
The Cathkin Braes course has it all – winding turns, rocky crops, sneaky jumps and plenty of technical challenges.
The 5.5-kilometre circuit features moorland, woodland and hillside bedrock sure to test the most experienced riders.
Why should I watch it?
For a start, it’s a new event. For lovers of the Commonwealth Games this is a fresh and exciting spectacle that wasn’t available in 2010. Cherish it.
Mountain biking is also the steamy, untamed cousin of track and road cycling, which combines technique with speed and endurance. The sport demands everything from athletes, particularly physical prowess.
It’s the extreme version of cycling, and the twisting paths, hairpin bends and protruding roots will mean spectators are on the edge of their seat for the entire contest.
Athletes play a fearless game, with the need to maintain traction, pitch and control while travelling at high speeds essential.
The terrain will therefore be a hotbed of crashes and collisions. A rider can be flown from his or her bike at any moment, with a slip in the mud or a misjudged jump proving potentially devastating.
Skill and bravery are required in buckets for riders to reach the finish line and this is likely to be one of the Commonwealth Games’ most exciting events.
Set against the dreamy backdrop of an ancient woodland, with steep slopes and wide open spaces, the trails offer spectacular panorama views of the city and will likely draw huge crowds.
What is it?
Mountain biking is flourishing in Britain and the return of the event to the Commonwealth Games is a welcome addition for spectators
Riders will hurtle through a 5.5-kilometre course, with two gold medals on offer for the men’s and women’s cross-country events.
Phil Saxena, the man behind the Beijing Olympics course, has designed the circuit to provide a harsh challenge to riders.
Aussies to look out for
Cycling made a significant contribution to Australia’s medal tally in Delhi 2010, and Cycling Australia will be hoping their mountain bike riders can add their names to the honour lists.
Andrew Blair, 25, Cameron Ivory, 22 and Daniel McConnell make up the Australian men’s line-up.
McConnell is currently ranked number one in the Commonwealth and fourth worldwide, and he is expected to make a charge for gold.
Rebecca Henderson, who flourished in the MTB World Cup Series and was selected to represent Australia at the 2012 Olympics. Peta Mullens and Tory Thomas join her on the women’s team.
What happened last time?
In short, nothing. The 2010 event was cancelled in Delhi, despite the 2006 event being deemed a success. It first appeared at the Commonwealth Games in 2002.
Fast Facts
– Cathkin Braes has been made available to the public before the Games kick off, and will also stay open after.
– The World’s Highest Trans Himalayan Mountain Bike Race is held at an altitude of more than 17,000 feet in Mount Everest.
– The longest mountain bike race in the world is more than 4300 kilometres between Canada and Mexico.
– Mountain biking first appeared at the Olympics in Atlanta, in 1996
What to drink while watching
Something you’ve never tried before. Or at least not in eight years!
This article was first published on the Tenplay website here.