American biker Adam Craig said that he was ready for the Olympic Games although he made it to the U.S. team only two weeks ago.
"I know as long as I'm riding decent that I can always be top 15 top 20 in the World Cup. I'm comfortable with myself racing now," Craig told the American Cycling Association website.
Craig successfully defended his U.S. national cross country and Super D titles in Mount Snow, Vermont this week.
"The effort to make the Olympic team has been pleasant and pretty easy as far as hard things go," he added.
In 2004, Craig was one of four contenders for two positions on the U.S. team. After a season-long, global quest for the UCI points needed to make the team, Craig was not selected. However, in 2008, things have worked out quite differently.
"It is a lot better this time around - in part because the selection criteria is not absolutely ridiculous," said Craig, who turns 27 this week.
In Craig's own eyes, he has gained maturity, perspective, confidence and experience in the sport.
"I'm also four years older and four years faster, and I know what I need to do now." he said.
The Olympic mountain bike competition will be held on the Laoshan course with 4.5 kilometers in circumference on August 23.
(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2008)