Olympic mountain bike (XCO) — what the race really is and how to follow it

Want to know what makes Olympic mountain bike racing so intense? The Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) race packs technical trails, steep climbs and sprint finishes into about 80–90 minutes. Riders push aerobic limits and bike-handling skills at the same time, so the winner needs speed, stamina and nerves.

Race format and simple rules

XCO uses a looped course with mixed terrain — singletrack, rocky sections, roots and short climbs. Courses are typically 4–6 km per lap, and racers do enough laps to hit the target race time. The race starts in a mass grid, so position off the line matters. UCI rules govern everything from minimum bike weight to equipment allowed on course. Mechanicals can cost you places; teams use feed zones and neutral service to help riders, but you still need to manage your own race.

Lap timing is strict. Officials pull lapped riders to keep the field clean. Penalties apply for cutting the course, drafting behind vehicles, or ignoring marshals. If you follow live timing during the Olympics, watch lap splits — they tell you who’s strong on climbs and who’s fading on the tech sections.

Gear, setup and quick tips for riders and fans

Olympic riders mostly use lightweight full-suspension bikes with about 100–120mm travel up front and rear. Expect 1x drivetrains (a single chainring), wide-range cassettes and hydraulic disc brakes. Tubeless tires around 2.1–2.4" are common to avoid flats and let riders run lower pressures for grip. Wheel choice balances stiffness and comfort — a stiff wheel helps accelerations, a slightly more compliant rim soaks up rough rock gardens.

If you train for XCO, mix high-intensity intervals with technical sessions. Practice short, repeated climbs, quick recoveries and fast corner exits. Strength work for the core and legs reduces fatigue late in the race. Recover right after hard rides — the body adapts during easy days, not during the intervals themselves.

Watching tips: check your country’s Olympic broadcaster for live coverage and highlight reels. Follow the UCI and top teams on social for rider cams, pre-race interviews and technical breakdowns. For on-site fans, arrive early for a good view of technical features where overtakes happen. Bring a lightweight chair and weather layers — courses are usually exposed to sun or sudden rain.

Top names to watch include past medalists like Nino Schurter, Tom Pidcock and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, but every Olympics brings surprises. Want more race previews and results? Keep an eye on Continental Scout Daily for timely updates and in-depth features on Olympic mountain bike action across the Games.