Shropshire’s defending world downhill champion Gee Atherton has endorsed the discipline’s Olympic credentials.

Last month the International Olympic Committee decided against adding to the cycling programme at the Games, leaving cross country the only mountain bike discipline in London 2012.

But Atherton, who hails from near Oswestry and will on Sunday defend his world title in Canberra, Australia, believes downhill would enhance the Olympic programme.

He said: “It’s definitely a bit upsetting that it’s not in there because downhill’s so good to watch and as a spectator sport I think it beats all the other disciplines in cycling.”

Britain are the leading nation on the track, having claimed seven titles in Beijing in 2008, while their reputation on the road is growing due to Mark Cavendish – the winner of 10 stages in the last two Tours de France – and Bradley Wiggins, who finished fourth overall in July.

Reigning

Liam Kileen is a medal prospect for the cross country event in London in 2012, but were downhill to join the Games, Britain’s dominance on two wheels could be all consuming.

Not only is Atherton the reigning world champion, but Steve Peat and Atherton’s brother Dan are top male contenders and Atherton’s sister Rachel won the 2008 world title in Andorra.

The Athertons honed their skills on BMX bikes and Dan, 27, is contemplating reverting to BMX in order to compete in 2012.

Atherton supports his brother’s move, but will not be following suit.

“I think if he put his mind to it and dedicated a few years to it he could definitely be up there,” the 24-year-old added. “I don’t think I could switch back to BMX now. I enjoy it a lot and really enjoy the training and the preparation, but I don’t think I could put that amount of time into BMX again.”

The Athertons, who live and train together just over the Shropshire border in Llangynog, are even willing to rectify each other’s dislocated shoulders following falls.

“It’s things like that which bring you together,” said Atherton. “It definitely made me feel for Rach, popping her shoulder back into place. She did mine earlier in the year, so there’s a definite bit of bonding going on there.”

Atherton leads the International Cycling Union (UCI) points rankings in 2009, but in the World Cup series – a cumulative measure of performance in the main events – he lies fourth.

A titanic battle is expected for the rainbow jersey on Sunday on a physical, rather than technical course.

“I think it will be between five guys who can take the win and it will be really hard to call,” Atherton added.