The London 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike venue covers a 550-acre site, encompassing farmland owned by the Salvation Army and the adjacent Country Park.
The location of the course on an open hillside is a new concept for Mountain Bike events, which are typically held in forested areas. The venue offers some incredible gradients for mountain biking and excellent viewing opportunities for spectators. A large part of the course will be visible from many places. It has been designed with multiple climbs and descents across the 5km circuit.
The venue is being delivered by Essex County Council in partnership with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). A separate legacy plan is being developed for how the venue will be used following the 2012 Games.
The London 2012 Olympic Mountain Biking events are scheduled to take place at Hadleigh Farm in Essex, UK on 11 and 12 August 2012. Construction of the course began in July 2010.
