All-night long, rain changed the condition of the course. After three days of dust, the layer of sticky mud had to be removed less than 2 hours before the start.

As you can see the orange color on the Torch Collection bike of Jaroslav Kulhavy, the sun wasn't in the sky. But thankfully the rain didn't come back either, despite predictions.

49 riders from 32 countries on the start line of the Olympic XCO race.

Flat out from the start! Fighting for positions during the wide start loop caused a lot of shuffling. Road World Champion, Peter Sagan made it to the lead from the last place in just a couple hundred meters.

Nino Schurter having fun even at the most important race in four years.

There are no certain numbers about spectators along the course, but the crowds were huge! Especially around the tricky rock gardens...

Well cheered Brazilian hero Henrique Avancini finished 23rd.

Julien Absalon already has two Olympic gold medals at home. This time, he left Rio with 8th place.

MTB Cross Country Olympic racing at its best! Nino Schurter and Jaroslav Kulhavy sprinting from one section to another...

It's not just about power. Road cycling World Champion Peter Sagan had to deal with technical issues. He snapped a chain when training before the start, got a flat tire at course check in that morning and two more flats during the race, he would finish 35th. It would be very interesting to see how he could do without these troubles!

Lap 5 of 7 and the battle for gold still continues. In the next climb, Nino made the final attack for his victory.

A big surprise of the Olympic race: Colombian Jhonnatan Botero Villegas kept his pace high all the time and finished 5th!

Marco Aurelio Fontana

As we know from Jose Antonio Hermida, when a Spaniard has a mustache, watch out! Carlos Nicolas Coloma got the bronze medal!

The big goal is achieved! Nino Schurter is the Olympic winner!

The Hunt for Glory at the finish.

Jaroslav Kulhavy finishing second at +50 sec. and happy with the silver.

Jaroslav Kulhavy and Nino Schurter. They just switched the roles from London 2012.

Jhonnatan Botero Villegas finishing 5th.

Julien Absalon

Marco Aurelio Fontana's emotions after he crossed the line in 20th place. He had to deal with a flat tire as well.