Friday, July 27, 2012

Olympic Mountain Bike test event hailed a success - London 2012 Olympics


Part of the London Prepares series, the event allowed the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) to test key aspects of its operations in preparation for next year’s Games.
The sold-out event attracted 5,000 spectators who watched 82 athletes compete at the Olympic Games Mountain Bike venue.
Reigning Olympic champion Julien Absalon from France led from the start and went on to win the men’s race. Absalon stormed to the finish line a full one minute and 20 seconds ahead of second placed Christoph Sauser from Switzerland, and one minute and 46 seconds ahead of third place rider Austria's Karl Markt.

Olympic Mountain Bike test event hailed a success - London 2012 Olympics


Located in the Essex countryside on land owned by the Salvation Army, Hadleigh Farm is a 550-acre site that features beautiful grassland and woodland. It also includes the surrounding countryside of Hadleigh Castle Country Park.
Hadleigh Farm offers some fantastic terrain for mountain biking, with gradients measuring 70 metres from top to bottom.
The design and build
Construction work began on the London 2012 Mountain Bike course in July 2010 and was completed on time and within budget in March 2011. In total, 500 tonnes of rock and 3,500 tonnes of crushed stone were used in its creation.
The five kilometre circuit is situated on open hillside – a new concept for Mountain Bike events, which are typically held in forested areas.
The course has been specially designed to provide a physical and technical challenge for the world’s leading riders, with plenty of demanding climbs and descents. Specific features include Snake Hill, The Rock Garden and Deane’s Drop. LINK TO COURSE MAP
After the Games
Essex County Council and The Salvation Army are committed to delivering a lasting legacy at Hadleigh Farm following the London 2012 Games.

Legacy proposals are being developed that ensure the needs of both the local community and the wider area are met.

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