He told MBR: “Everything’s been going to plan and I feel that there’s little more I could have done in terms of preparation. Since the National Champs, I’ve continued my training plan — which was designed specifically with the Olympics as this season’s main goal. And I’ve spent time at the humidity chamber in Newport, where all the track riders go, to hopefully help me adapt to the difficult conditions in China. Basically I’ve been training my nuts off!”

He adds: “What’s weird is that the Olympics will be the first time all the world’s elite XC riders will have been together for some 10 weeks since the Worlds. It’s a big and unusual gap in the middle of a season. Some riders have ridden the Canadian World Cups, other have done some marathon racing, while most seem to have been following their own training plans. To be honest this race is so unique that no-one’s really sure how to get ready.

“The heat, humidity and pollution will all be a factor, but how best to prepare is up for debate! I know some riders who’ve done no specific training for the potential conditions and will be just turning up and hoping for the best. My preparation’s certainly been thorough and hopefully will stand me in good stead.”

Oli’s confirmed course practice days are on Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st. We’ll be catching up with him during the build-up and practice sessions, so check out the latest gossip here at www.mbr.co.uk.