He is scheduled to leave Bend on Monday for Jeju, an island off the southern coast of South Korea, for more training and preparation with other members of the U.S. Olympic mountain bike team.

Craig plans to arrive in Beijing on Aug. 20, in part to avoid the air pollution of the massive city for as long as possible.

The 26-year-old appeared relaxed and comfortable Wednesday in the living room of his house, which he shares with three other avid mountain bikers from his home state of Maine.

The current U.S. cross-country mountain biking champion, Craig said he likes his chances of winning a medal in Beijing, although he knows he is not a favorite. No U.S. rider has claimed a medal since mountain biking became an Olympic sport in 1996.

The sport is typically dominated by Europeans, but Craig hopes to buck that trend. He said about a dozen riders have a chance to medal, and he includes himself in that mix.

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Adam Craig was a resident of Exeter and graduate of Dexter Regional High School.