RIO DE JANEIRO - The Olympic Games mountain bike competition will go ahead as planned, officials said on Tuesday, despite a nearby bushfire threatening the venue.
A bush fire threatened the Deodora Olympic mountain bike venue but racing will go ahead
Reports emerged on Monday that athletes had been evacuated from the area as flames, fanned by high winds, were closing in on the Deodoro complex in the west of the city.
But officials of the International Cycling Union (UCI) said the course had emerged unscathed.
"Following careful assessment carried out this morning, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) can confirm that the Rio 2016 Mountain Bike course has not suffered any damage which will affect the competition or the integrity of the venue," said the UCI in a statement.
"All operations will resume today (Tuesday) as planned with National Olympic Committees being given the opportunity to walk the course later in the morning."
Reacting on Monday evening, the UCI had said they would assess the situation before a decision on the races, due on Saturday and Sunday, was taken.
"The UCI is aware that there was a fire this (Monday) afternoon in the vicinity of the Rio 2016 Mountain Bike course," had said a spokesman.
"It is understood the fire is now under control."
Road race world champion Peter Sagan is set to be the marquee participant in the men's event having opted to skip the Olympic road race.