For the first time in living memory, mountain biking made the papers in January when the UCI declared the proposed 2012 Olympic venue of Weald Park in Essex “too flat”. We can’t say we were shocked at the news, as we’ve been saying the exact same thing ever since the venue was announced.
Olympic chiefs are determined to host the mtb’ing in Essex, which leaves us with Epping, although we’ve got our fingers crossed that they might look slightly further afield to develop a site that is truly world class and will show XC racing — and not just London Village — in the best light.
IMBA-UK’s involvement in this continues, and is keen to see that there is a legacy for mountain bikers after the Games, in the shape of a world-class mtb facility close to London.