The mountain bike course for the London 2012 Olympics has been completed on time and on budget.

Construction of the Hadleigh Farm, Essex course began in July 2010, and is now ready for a test event scheduled for July 31st this year.

The 550-acre site, which is owned by the Salvation Army, features a five kilometre biking circuit, equipped with climbs, rocky descents and timer-framed structures.

Situated on open hillside, the circuit is a new concept for mountain biking events, as they are usually held in forested areas.

The venue offers plenty of viewing opportunities for spectators, with large sections of the course being visible from many areas of the site.

Members of the GB Cycling Team, including Liam Killeen, Kenta Gallagher and Lily Matthews, joined Sebastian Coe to try out the course for the first time last week.

Liam Killeen said "The excitement of competing in a home Games is building fast and seeing the finished course whets the appetite even more.

"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 London 2012 Olympic Mountain Biking events will take place at Hadleigh Farm on the 11th and 12th August. Ticket prices range from £20 to £45.