(30 July 1996; Day 11)
Despite the fact that it isn't built on an actual mountain, the mountain bike course designed by Brian STICKEL, John BAILEY and professional racer David WIENS provided enough challenges to crown an Olympic champion.
Women's Olympic champion Paola PEZZO of Italy managed to earn the gold medal despite a spill early in the race and being forced to run up the remainder of a climb. Meanwhile Alison SYDOR of Canada overcame an "off" day to take the silver medal. The top three riders, including Susan DeMATTEI (USA) who took the bronze medal, were separated by a margin of 1:45 at the finish, after a lead group of eight-to-nine riders had held together for the majority of the race.
"Susan (DeMATTEI) and I rode together for most of the race and shared the work," said SYDOR. "There were a lot of riders in contact so it was really to all of our benefits to work hard and keep a little bit of a gap and not let the other riders catch up."
By the conclusion of the second of three laps over the course, the pack had thinned, and riders started to spread out, much as SYDOR had anticipated. "I didn't expect a sprint finish on this course. It's relentless, and with the heat I didn't expect that there was going to be a big group staying together. The course was very twisty, very winding, and very tight through the trees."
Despite the differences between this course and a traditional mountain bike course, SYDOR and others were satisfied with their Olympic experience.
"I think that all riders ask is that the course challenges the physical and technical skills and that it is somewhat enjoyable to ride," said SYDOR. "I think this course had that. It was a well-designed course, it challenged the riders, and the best mountain biker won the race today."
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Amy H. Symons.
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| The Mother Nature was kind to Olympic athletes and spectators. The average high temperature during the Games was 89 degrees with an average low of 72 degrees. Highest temperature registered (20 July) - 99 degrees. Lowest high temperature registered is 79 degrees (28 July). |