Cross-Country

Cross-country (XC) racing is held on a varied terrain circuit, normally around 6-8 km. It is a massed-start race and riders are not permitted any external mechanical assistance. This means they have to carry their own tools. The result of this rule has been to increase the durability of products available on the open market, as well as to the sport's elite.

Professional level races are longer in distance, around 30 miles. Cross-country mountain bike racing has been an Olympic event for both men and women since the 1996 Atlanta games.