The five kilometre circuit, which is located in Essex, is situated on an open hillside, a new concept for mountain bike events which are typically held in forested areas, but that did not stop Prendel continuing her dominance in the sport over a world class field.

The Canadian won in 1 hour 32min 04sec, finishing ahead of United States champion Georgia Gould who took silver in 1:33:00 and world number three Julie Bresset of France and who claimed bronze in 1:33.36.

Prendel finished a disappointing fourth at Beijing 2008 but will now head into the London 2012 as gold medal favourite following her impressive test event victory and admitted it has been a thrilling experience to compete on the course.

"It is quite different to the courses we usually ride on," the 30-year-old told insidethegames.

"We are definitely not use to having one this open and you could really feel the heat out there but it is definitely stunningly beautiful.

"It is fast, it's fun and it's really hard so I think they did a really great job preparing this for the Olympics.

"It is in fantastic condition and it will make for really good racing in 2012."

Prendel, who along with her Canadian teammates had been given a tour of the venue in May after signing a deal with Essex County Council to train here in the build-up to London 2012, admitted that she feels she has a good chance of winning a medal next year after her Beijing disappointment but refused to be complacent.


"I hope to be a podium contender next year but you never know," she said.

"Test events aren't always indicative of what happens in the Olympics because so many different things can happen between now and then.

"But I definitely think I have a strong chance of a medal, I just have to keep my bike upright and stay focused.

Prendel also praised the crowds that turned out at a sunny Hadleigh Farm.

The crowd was limited to 5,000 but that will increase to 20,000 for London 2012.

"I was really happy with how I raced and the spectators were amazing out there," she said.

"I know who much the British love their sport and I really look forward to experiencing that energy again next year."

The men's race was won by France's two-time Olympic champion Julien Absalon.

Construction of the course, which cost £800,000 ($1.2 million/€913,000), began in July 2010 and was completed earlier this year with 50 men and 30 women set to take part in the mountain bike event at London 2012.

The women's competition will take place on August 11 next year while the men's medals will be decided on August 12.

A separate legacy plan is being developed by Essex County Council for how the venue will be used following the 2012 Games, which is set to see the course decreased in difficulty for the public to use.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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