Liam Killeen led four British riders for a lap on the newly completed London 2012 Olympic mountain bike course.

Three-time British champion Killeen, cross-country gold medallist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, was joined by David Fletcher, Kenta Gallagher and Lily Matthews for a spin at Hadleigh Farm, Essex. 

Construction of the course began in July 2010 and work is now complete ahead of a test event, to which the world’s top riders have been invited, on July 31.

“The excitement of competing in a home Games is building fast and seeing the finished course whets the appetite even more,” said Killeen, who finished seventh at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. 

“It’s a challenging course that will bring out the best in everyone and should make for a fantastic race for both the riders and spectators.”

The 2012 cross-country race will take place on August 11 for women, with the men’s event 24 hours later. The 5km circuit, with 170m of ascent per lap, sits on open hillside, offering multiple vantage points for spectators. 

Tickets, available until April 26 through www.tickets.london2012.com, range from £20 to £45. 

Lord Coe added: “The course is challenging with multiple climbs and descents for the riders to tackle and I believe that the mountain bike competition will be one of the most exciting events at the London 2012 Olympic Games. 

“People can apply for tickets now and are guaranteed to see gold medal winning action for £45 or less.”