So… what do we do? Build short, manmade courses in a good location on which we can see every second of the racing as well as making it a more appealing prospect logistically? Half the length of the races we see at WC level to keep people interested? Have two runs with a combined time to add tension? Run Qualifiers, Quarters, Semi’s and finals? I’m not sure myself.

Could DH be an Olympic event in its current format? I’m even less convinced that I was before.

Should DH be an Olympic event? Of course, the exposure would be a great thing for the sport commercially, there is no question. I don’t know about you but I’m not convinced that it would be a good thing for the sport when it comes to retaining the current ‘feel’. It’s a gut feeling for me, but when I look back at BMX and its inclusion in the Olympics it lost a bit of its edge; UCI officials all over the place, IOC delegates looking on, national teams and rules. Riders becoming slaves to an Olympic programme? Tracks built in the most convenient location rather than the best location? Changes to the format that would run over into world cups? Uptight officials, national teams and sponsors? No thanks.

I’m thankful that I’m not the person in charge and that I don’t need to make the changes that DH would have to make to fit into the Olympic family. While I would love to see my favourite riders become household names and see better coverage of DH racers on TV as well as bigger, televised national races, I know I need to be careful what I wish for. It isn’t just the action on the track that appeals to me; DH has an accessibility, simplicity and community that make a good sport great. Imagine if a fanatic that’s on the edge of control didn’t provide the commentary or if the coverage you read of the sport was written by jobbing journalists rather than those that are there for the love of the sport?

Wanting the sport to stay ‘cool’ over commercial success may seem a bit selfish, but I’d love to see the commercial growth while the sport retains its character. I really believe that there is a bright future for DH; I just don’t believe that the future involves the famous five rings.