(Cycling, Mountain, Bike)

In 1996, cross country mountain biking events were added to the Olympic Games.

Cross-country racing is held on a circuit, normally 6-8 km around. It is a massed-start race and riders are not permitted any external mechanical assistance. This means they have to carry their own means of making any repairs that may be necessary. The result of this rule has been to increase the durability of products available on the open market, as well as to the sports elite.