The world will turn its eyes to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5 to 21, 2016 as they host the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. More than 10,500 athletes from 206 countries – including Kosovo and South Sudan for the first time – are expected to compete for 306 sets of medals in 28 sports.
Cycling has been contested at every Summer Olympics since 1896 when a road race and five track events were held. Mountain biking entered the Games in 1984 in Los Angeles and women’s biking was introduced in 1988 in Seoul. European nations have been most successful in the cycling disciplines with France leading the way followed by Italy and Great Britain. Canada has enjoyed modest success with 12 overall medals, including one gold (Lori Anne Muenzer - Athens 2004). Clara Hughes was a double bronze medallist in Atlanta in 1996 and is the only Canadian athlete to be a multiple medallist in both Summer and Winter Olympic Games.