| Cross country races consist of up to 180 riders competing on a closed course to see who can cross the finish line first. Under UCI regulations, the ideal length of the race is between two and half hours to two hours and forty-five minutes. It was added as a new Olympic event starting with the games in Atlanta. |
| Start | Race Development | Course Rideabillty |
| All riders start at once at the sounding of the starting gun. | The course is not very wide overall and even narrows to a single lane in some spots. This requires experience and technique for timing passes and pacing one's strength up hills. | Ninety-eight percent of a cross-country course must be rideable on bike regardless of the natural features and climate. |
