That's definitely an XC race track, and not a trail as such. Lots of over-taking space, so guess it will be a fitness rather than skills bias, which I guess is what the Olympics is all about. I assume they won't have to open that gate on every lap...now that would be hilarious...

Any chance of a 'highlights' video showing just the best bits, and in real time?

Chris McG: yes, but not until next week

While he landscape is on the bland side I guess it adds a bit of "purity" to it too.

Seems like a pretty good track. Look quite hard too, though not sure how it ranks amongst other XC tracks for that.

*waits for people to whine about the track* :P

Looks good - pretty variable, lots of opportunity for interesting tactics. Who's gonna hold the gate open at 01:52 though?

One of the problems of MTB (particularly XC) is that it is not very interesting to watch on TV which is vital for the OIC and for continued inclusion in the olympics.

At least this track will offer comparatively open views unobstructed by trees and trail furniture but somehow I don't see that it will actually make the race better to watch on the box.

We'll see...

Very cool video! I'm still trying to convince myself that that course isn't crap though. I guess any cross-country racing is dull to watch in person, let alone on the telly anyway. Which is another comment for another thread...good work on the vid though James and BR! :-)

YAWN... nearly fell asleep (not kidding, long day) by 3:00...

Why nor "Real" obstacles...to test bike skill...?

If it's hot and dry that track will be fast but a a pure endurance race...

I'd agree that it bears little resemblance to the trails we know and love, but the track should give a good spectacle with lots of overtaking. Let's be honest, F1 is a bit boring with it's procession of cars for the majority of the race, so anything they can do to to make it an exciting tv event can only be a good thing. I know we would probably prefer more technical riding, but how much would the non-rider appreciate it? Not much I'd guess... And before anyone complains it shouldn't be aimed at non-riders, the more people attracted to the sport off the back of this the better - it'll ensure investment continues in facilities like trail centres, and kick up a fuss if anyone tries to sell off a forest used for mtb'ing amongst other benefits...

I'd agree with just seeing the good bits in real time. I wasn't bothered about the hills and flat, non technical sections. I just wanted to see te rock gardens and drops (?).

looks a great course for XC racing, fast with plenty of overtaking spots. As for essex being flat, looks like some good climbs there, certainly some lung busters going by the way the speed dropped off considerably even with the film sped up

I think it needs a bit more "scenery" to make it feel more natural and more attractive, but at the same time, if it was a purely singletrack trail, the only overtaking would be on fire-road climbs, at least at this place, there should be some good racing going on which will make for entertaining viewing.

Looks sterile and contrived.

Would not want to ride it or watch a race on it. Horrendous.

There are actually lots of real routes out in the areas of this country with real mountains. Why not use one of them?

Actually I can see more than one crosser actually digging that parcour

that course that would be fastest on a cyclocross bike! looks boring to ride and boring to watch. needs a course like the bucs race at moelfre! now that was fun to watch.

I think it's actually going to be a pretty good olympic event. Long enough runs for fitness & overtaking to take effect while testing technical skill in enough places which are spaced to create pockets of spectator friendly spots.

I remember the old XC race footage from the early 90's and it didn't look too great on TV. This looks like it will be much easier to cover the overall action. This shortish, open loop should be much better for the TV crews to show what's going on overall.

I'm not so sure about making too much effort to keep it after the event - it doesn't offer much more to the casual rider than the type of bridleway/track mix that makes up normal, non trail centre riding in a very contrived way and without the satisfaction of coverage any real distance as the crow flies.

Very much a pure racetrack and nice if it's on your doorstep (don't know what alternatives the locals have) but not worth travelling any epic distance for when you consider the alternatives.

Looking forward to watching it though!

I think what's more laughable is that they are already planning on taking the interesting, technical sections out for H&S reasons! Someone needs a good stern talking to.

Posting again having watched the video (crashed firefox plug-in container first time) and I can honestly say it's 8:47 of sheer boredom. Mile after mile of hardpack fireroad and grassy fields.

The only technical bits appear to be the odd rock left in the middle of the fireroad sections. I presume these are designed to make sprint points when riders are side-by-side as one will have to fall in behind the other. I can see why these would have to go if the general public wanted to use the course.

I think cyclo-cross bikes or even road bikes would be fine for this. All our worst fears appear to have been realised here. One of the local XC courses near us (Gorrick, Southern XC) would have been better.

Oh dear, this is a bit embarrasing... I can see what people mean about it being easier to watch on tv but other (interesting) courses around the world manage that don't they? Makes me feel ashamed to be British...

Have to agree with dolande and float: this is a cyclo-x course!

should've gone to wales.

I think it lacks the ruggedness of even Beijing. Agree in general with the preceding comments.

Beijing course:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoYl8F522R0

looks like it was made by a roadie with no off road skills

Right - i'm off to B&Q to buy a few big rocks - put them in the local field and give the IOC a call....

well should make good tv, But it makes swinley/north downs look very technical which they really aren't.

unless that area is totally devoid of places to MTB can't see much point of it staying on.

On the plus side essex will have a nice cx course after the olympics which the london leauge can use!

I'll use a cyclocross for this one, or a 29er totaly rigid with 1,5 tires. Don't need more for this fast track.

Dont forget the wide bars so that no one can get past on most of the trail.

that's a pretty wimpy course for Olympic athletes...my mom could ride that with a cruiser bike! What, are the athletes "suits" from offices that go out for a weekend sipping wine!! Come over here and ride a real trail in Whistler

That's a motorway not a mountainbike track. should never have been built there. what a waste of money.

sorry that is not mountain biking thats a field in essex, get to Wales or Quantocks, or peaks or anywhere. That is such a waste and anyone who goes to there to watch it will be better off going out riding themselves