Mountain biking grew out of 1970s American culture, when road bikes were strengthened to handle off-road terrain, and became an Olympic sport at Atlanta 1996.
The Tokyo programme will consist only of cross-country racing on a testing course that will offer breathtaking views of Mt Fujiyama.
While France (four) has won more Olympic golds than any other nation, Swiss defending champion Nino Schurter will arrive as a warm men's favourite, after medalling at the last three Games and winning eight world titles since 2009.
New Zealand has qualified one spot in the men's race, with former Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist Anton Cooper the only candidate to fill it.
NZ Team
Anton Cooper - men's cross-country
