The Olympics

[magnetique']

So with the Olympics just around the corner (hard to believe its been four years since Sydney!) what kind of MTB representation has Australia got happening? I dont really know as many Aussie XC names as DH, but its still surprising that I cant think of a single rider who might be going.. Niki Gudex maybe?

On a side note, what the hell happened to Cadel Evans? I know he moved to road - but will he be competing in road at the olympics?

On another side note, what does everyone think about DH in the olympics? They have both XC and DH skiing, but only XC mtb???

[dazonic]

I don't reckon DH will ever make it, simply because you can't really have a fully fledged DH race in any given city around the world. But maybe, i dunno.
They dropped a women's shooting event (or something) and BMX is being introduced in 2008, should be interesting.

[hazman]

Sid Taberlay (Tassie Pride!!!) and Josh Fleming (correct me if I'm wrong) will be representing Australia. Sid's in with a good shot at top ten finish.

[wombat]

They have both XC and DH skiing, but only XC mtb???
That's in the winter olympics though, which conviently get held at a ski resort so access to mountains big enough to have a DH event isn't a problem. The summer olympics are completely different though.

[McBain]

On a side note, what the hell happened to Cadel Evans? I know he moved to road - but will he be competing in road at the olympics?Cadel's story for the past 2 years is pretty crap. He's been getting great results when his collarbone isn't in bits, but the T-Mobile team have been treating him like shite. He wasn't picked for the Olympics either - a slightly strange desicion, but it looks like CA were trying to get a team of guys (like super-domestique Matty White) to get the fast guys like Robbie and Stuey to the line to shake their stuff.

A couple of years ago you'd pick Cadel for his time trialling, but I don't know if he's got the pace for it at the moment. Mick Rodgers is a pretty good chance for the TT though.

Ah, the Olympics - so many good memories from 2000. Like getting shitfaced on Bronte Rd watching the Men's road race. :)

[parallax]

Ah, the Olympics - so many good memories from 2000. Like getting shitfaced on Bronte Rd watching the Men's road race. :)
Ahaha... Bronte pride!!

Not to mention that one cyclist from some weird arse African country that had to retire because he was being lapped. (and no... this isn't Eric "the Eel" Mousambani)

[shmity]

As far as i know, there is no reason why a dh race couldn't be held outside of the host city. Melbourne hosted half of the soccer matches for the sydeny olympics. But if the entire country was as flat as a tack, then it may have some issues in holding a downhill race...unless they were prepared to dig a big hole.

[Rik]

I can see 4x making it to the olympics. But what's the difference between it and BMX?

Anyway, Athens should be good with SBS doing alot of coverage of the Cycling... I can't wait to watch the whole mens road race LIVE this Saturday night.

[McBain]

I can't wait to watch the whole mens road race LIVE this Saturday night.Rock on - I hadn't noticed that until now! Looks like a good night in.

[Kammy]

sid talberay lisa mathison

[at the drive in]

This is probably going to sound bad especially from a mountain biker but i dont think bmx or mtb should be at the Olympics they arent typical ilympic sports but neither are some sports there, Whats next after bmx motocross FMX skating. DH would be better at somehwre like the xgames with other extreme sports

[RCOH]

This is probably going to sound bad especially from a mountain biker but i dont think bmx or mtb should be at the Olympics they arent typical ilympic sports but neither are some sports there, Whats next after bmx motocross FMX skating. DH would be better at somehwre like the xgames with other extreme sports

When you learn to spell & puncuate properly maybe your opinion will be recognised as valid. As it stands, with a post like that, you come off sounding like a person who knows little of what they are talking about & just want to get their post count up.

And what is a 'typical' olympic sport...synchronised swimming? Aerial Skiing? Snowboarding? Mtb & bmx have just as much right to be there as any other sport that has been introduced since the modern olympic games started.

[johnny]

This is probably going to sound bad especially from a mountain biker but i dont think bmx or mtb should be at the Olympics they arent typical ilympic sports but neither are some sports there, Whats next after bmx motocross FMX skating. DH would be better at somehwre like the xgames with other extreme sports

When you learn to spell & puncuate properly maybe your opinion will be recognised as valid. As it stands, with a post like that, you come off sounding like a person who knows little of what they are talking about & just want to get their post count up.

And what is a 'typical' olympic sport...synchronised swimming? Aerial Skiing? Snowboarding? Mtb & bmx have just as much right to be there as any other sport that has been introduced since the modern olympic games started.

Grammer Nazi^^^^ :lol: (did I spell that right....... :? )

The Olympic games whilst an enjoyment to watch and attend has fallen prey to the uglier side of humanity, greed. Greed impells IOC delegates to take bribes for votes, greed impells scientists to make substances to sell to atheletes, greed makes TV channels harras atheletes that are accused of cheating, greed makes restaraunts, hotels and bars charge unbelievable rates, greed makes the host country give majority of tickets to sponsers and advitisers instead of the public etc.

Now the games are getting so damn big that many modern cities are just not big enough to host the games. I mean what are the pro golfers, tennis players etc. doing on the card, I thought it was only for ametuer sportsmen, isn't this why most top level boxers can't compete. Can some one please fill me in on this detail.......

Manufacturers of sporting equipment are also pressuring organisers, aware of the exposure/profit available. As mu7ch as I will enjoy sitting down and watching some track/field, boxing, weight lifting, gymnastics, bike riding and shooting/archery, I'm afraid that they should be renamed from the Olympic games to the Olympic marketing and profitability meet.


So in answer to the question raised, I'd watch DH if it was on the cards, but I think the O/games is going to have to be seriously restructured in the next decade or they will become even more of a farce than they are now. One only has to look at the amount of legal action taking place in Aust and USA concerning doping allegations and team placings to see that the rot has already started to set in, not to mention Ben Johnston, Chinese swimmers, Flo Jo etc.

What events are you looking forward to seeing?

Edit* man I gotta lighten up a bit, I don't think I've made a post for two weeks that wasn't a bitch about something wrong in the world. I need some better drugs I think....... :roll:

[at the drive in]

Yeah fair enough about the spelling but you have to consider that sking and snowboarding are at the winter Olympics. You couldnt use these as a valid argument to get DH in to the summer games. I also have heard a few sports commentators talk of how the olympics needs to cut down on some of the less Traditional sports.

[RCOH]

Yeah fair enough about the spelling but you have to consider that sking and snowboarding are at the winter Olympics. You couldnt use these as a valid argument to get DH in to the summer games. I also have heard a few sports commentators talk of how the olympics needs to cut down on some of the less Traditional sports.

Good point about the Winter Olympics...& sorry to be so pedantic (rik!) about grammar & spelling, but when done correctly it makes reading the threads (wasting work time) that much easier.

As for what am i looking forward to watching, I have always enjoyed watching gymnastics (floor, uneven bars & horse events). Not just for the gash shots :shock: but the shit they do freaks me right out.

[DH_Dave]

I hear there going to trial DH mtb'in very soon for the olympics

[RCOH]

I hear there going to trial DH mtb'in very soon for the olympics

sources or it didn't happen :)

[Grover]

Cycling Australia's Website (http://www.cycling.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/H_P_/National_Teams/2004_Olympic_Team.htm) has the team listed as Sid Taberlay, Lisa Mathison and Josh Flemming but I'm pretty sure there was an appeal and Chris Jongewaard is going instead of Josh. The latest AMB lists it like that so the CA website has most likely just not been updated.

[floody]

I think BMX, and at least 4X, probably DH, should be in the olympics. Trials would be a good inclusion too. But BMX is a great sport, relatively cheap to build a good course, good for TV and so on.

The place where an even is run needn't be in the bloody city its at, most of the time they hold yachting, canoeing, soccer and heaps of other sports yonks away from the host city. And only running XC is a bit down on the rest of the sport, look at road and track cycling, the amount of events there that they get.

[LTR]

DH, 4x, Trials and BMX. Its going to make the sport of riding so much larger if it were in the Olympics. I prefer it as a smaller "customised" sport, where it isnt too big, you know the whole community and you realise competition isnt everything.

I dont want to see it there.

[dick]

i certaining dont think dh, bmx or any other kind of riding except xc should be in the olympics.
for one, there are already the x games which should host these.
secondly, there are only a tiny percentage of people that actually do take part in dh and bmx.
and finally, there are only several countries that could actually be competitive in such events. not many countries even have dh and bmx, let alone have enough people to select a team to compete in the olympics. i doubt there would be many dh riders in say africa.

everyone wants the olympics to include the new sports that they are into. if the olympics does continue to grow, its going to include every sport imaginable and it will just get ridiculous.
put dh in the olympics really would be stupid as only a few could compete. olympics isnt the place for our sport.

[rhyno]

This is probably going to sound bad especially from a mountain biker but i dont think bmx or mtb should be at the Olympics they arent typical ilympic sports but neither are some sports there, Whats next after bmx motocross FMX skating. DH would be better at somehwre like the xgames with other extreme sports
i think one of the things about the olympics is that there isn't any motorsport as a rule so FMX and motocross will never be in.

[miko]

Sid Taberlay (Tassie Pride!!!) and Josh Fleming (correct me if I'm wrong) will be representing Australia. Sid's in with a good shot at top ten finish.

I thought it was Sid Taberlay and Chris Jonegeward (sp?) representing the men, but I could also be wrong!

EDIT: Sorry, someone already said that, damn morning-itis. I'm from SA like Chris, so it's exciting ;P :)

[floody]

i certaining dont think dh, bmx or any other kind of riding except xc should be in the olympics.
for one, there are already the x games which should host these.
secondly, there are only a tiny percentage of people that actually do take part in dh and bmx.
and finally, there are only several countries that could actually be competitive in such events. not many countries even have dh and bmx, let alone have enough people to select a team to compete in the olympics. i doubt there would be many dh riders in say africa.

everyone wants the olympics to include the new sports that they are into. if the olympics does continue to grow, its going to include every sport imaginable and it will just get ridiculous.
put dh in the olympics really would be stupid as only a few could compete. olympics isnt the place for our sport.

I'm not suggesting anything as stupid as dirtjump or freestyle/street competition in the olympics - so the X-games stuff would stay at the X-games.
And talking percentages of people competing, I would imagine the amount of people racing DH and BMX wouldn't be far different from many of the more obscure sports - how many competitive hammerthrowers do you know? How many curlers (ok winter O) ? How many shotputters ? Rhythmic Gymnasts? Synchronised Swimmers? Compare it to the amount of bikers you know and the amount you see at a given competitive gathering...

What do you mean about only several countries? there is MTB and BMX racing in most of Europe, a large proportion of countries in the Americas, many asian countries and most of the Oceania region.....BMX racing in particular is well established in a huge amount of countries.
As for not many DH riders in Africa...where do you suppose Greg Minnaar is from?
There are already many, many sports in the olympics where only a few countries compete, and in any case most sports are dominated by the big countries which means the rest are just there for qualifies and heats, not the finals anyway....

A negative when thinking about DH and 4X, they aren't exactly very well defined in terms of equipment, however BMX is (20", one brake, rigid, one gear), so maybe they aren't the best sports for the olympics, though XC is just as undefined...
I think BMX is a fairly equal sport on equipment, and it is a true test of riding skill and power, much akin to track racing. It would be a great sport for the olympics. Also, none of the sports (well, maybe 4X) are new sports. BMX has been around for more than 2 decades now, MTB has had a world level competition for nigh on 15 years. Bringing them in wouldn't just be adhering to a trend.

SO even if DH and 4x don't get in, ever, I think BMX should definitely have a place.

[toodles]

secondly, there are only a tiny percentage of people that actually do take part in dh and bmx.

As compared to those other sports everyone does like shotput, javelin and high jumping. I think DH is actually far more popular than many Olympic sports.

i doubt there would be many dh riders in say africa.

Yeah, except Greg Minaar the current reigning DH World Champion.

I think the question of DH in the Olympics has been put forward and the IOC asked the UCI to make an equipment standard (for bikes) before it would be permitted. I'm pretty sure the host country is allowed to add one or two events each time they hold the Olympics. Most countries tend to add events that they will do well in (eg. USA added XC MTB, Aust. added triathlon, etc) so we'll probably be waiting until the French or Aussies get to host a Games again before we'll see DH.

[Larks]

You have to remember that javelin, hammer throw shot etc etc are sports that were founded centuries ago and have a pretty special heritage that they come from. These should be, and always will be in the olympics.

DH and 4X are mere infants compared to most of the sports in the olympics. Lots of people may ride down hills around the world, but how many do so in a regulated, timed, well contructed way? How many people have 8+ inch travel bikes on which to compete? I don't think these numbers are suffecient to justify inclusion of these sports in the olympics.

I think the point about equipment is a very valid one. Like it or not, you can't be competitive on a world stage with a huffy in DH. BMX on the otherhand you may be able to grab a shitty bmx, and providing it doesn't break, the performance gap is much smalller (in relative terms). I think BMX should be considered as a possible event in the olympics for reasons stated by floody.

I haven't covered everything, but in summary.......... I like bikes

[Stinky]

As far as the number of people competing in a given sport, there are IOC rules about how many people in how many countries compete in a given sport. I remember when Tri finally reached the right numbers, thy were throwing carbon wheels in celebration.

As for setting an equipment standard, I think that this already happens. UCI rules (as far as I can remember from my commissaires course) state that you need to have 26" wheels, more than five gears (hence no BMX cruisers in 4X), front and rear brakes and a few other things, other than that most things are standard, sure some bikes work better than others but you are not going to even qualify (as happens for all Olympic sports) to walk out at the opening ceremony.

Go Lisa. [/code]

[caeottic]

i think if the put dh and 4x/bmx in the olympics theyd get alot more interest from young people who are into extreme sports, and it would give everyone at farkin a good reason to try out for the olympics, imagine riding in a dh race for your country, now that would be sweet, id wanna win gold for australia in downhill racing, damm thatd be good :D

[wombat]

imagine riding in a dh race for your country, now that would be sweet, id wanna win gold for australia in downhill racing, damm thatd be good :D
Yeah, it's not like you can do that at the world champs or the world cups or anything...

[junior]

anybody see the table tennis? fuck thats the biggest waste of space :P

when are they showing XC on the TV???

[Benana]

if downhill mountain biking ever does make it to the olympics it still wouldnt be so popular but im not complaining id love it id even travel the globe to watch it

[parallax]

Still disappointed at AUS loss to RUS last night in the volleyball. They picked up well in the second and third sets but the ruski's were just too good.
Not to mention they had a middle blocker who is a staggering 217cm (7'1") high!!! FARK!

Table Tennis is a very highly skilled game. Don't knock it just because it's not as flashy as the swimming/athletics/mtb'ing. However China's domination ever since the 70's has put a dampener on the "competition".

I've gotten so much more excited over these olympics than back in 2000. If only I was 18 back then... :cry:

[Kammy]

has the been any mention of the course which they will be racing on next week at all

[caeottic]

does anyone know when the xc will be on tv, caz id love to watch it, i couldnt find out caz i cant understand the tv guide at the moment, its all retarded

[Kammy]

yeah the 27th for the girls and the 28th for the guyz

[johnny]

does anyone know when the xc will be on tv, caz id love to watch it, i couldnt find out caz i cant understand the tv guide at the moment, its all retarded

Kinda like using caz in place of because........

[grammar nazi].

[caeottic]

time?????????????????????????????? is it on sbs or seven???????

[Kammy]

im not sure about that might try sevens website or sbs for the exact time