A mountain bike or mountain bike is a relatively young, fast-growing active sport. Mountain bikes are constantly being improved. The sport was included in the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Despite its youth, the mountain bike has gained great popularity in various countries. It was invented in the 50s of the XX century. The fact that mountain biking has become an official sport is largely due to the members of the Velo Club Mount Tamalpais. They were the first to organize a downhill race near the city of San Francisco. Soon, this active sport attracted the attention of athletes from other countries.
Thanks to its followers and the media, the mountain bike has become widely known. In 1990, it was declared a professional sport and recognized by the World Cycling Organization, and after 6 years it became part of the Olympic program.
Men's competitions are held at distances from 40 km to 50 km, and women's - 30-40 km. The distance covered by the athletes depends on the approximate total time to cover the course. The men's championship is held within 2 hours 15 minutes, and the women's championship - no more than 2 hours.
The distance for the final race is determined based on weather conditions. Riders should not push off or drag the bike along the entire path, otherwise these actions may lead to a revision of the results.
Athletes start at the same time. Cyclists first go through a lap of 1, 8 km, return to the start, and then go through a given number of laps. The competitor who comes to the finish line first wins the competition.
Riders are not allowed to use anyone's help in order to avoid disqualification. They are forced to eliminate equipment malfunctions on their own. In addition, athletes must not interfere with competitors and give way to faster competitors.
This competition is a knockout event: the rider who has been outflanked will be removed from the track.
For the race, a cross-country track is used. On it, every 1 km, there are indicators of the remaining distance and information about dangerous areas of the terrain.
Mountain bikes are made of high-strength materials, have powerful brakes, dense tires. Athletes must wear protective helmets, because during the race, various dangerous situations and injuries are possible.
