Since McGrath started cross-country cycling in 1991, he's landed a ninth place finish at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, two medals at the Commonwealth Games and two top-five finishes at World Cup races.

Representing Canada at the Olympics for the second time is a great accomplishment for McGrath. Weighing in at 135 lbs, the 5'9" athlete has spent the past four years racing his Fuji bike on the professional circuit to perfect his skills. The Olympian's disciplined training program puts him on the trails and at the gym between 15 and 29 hours weekly, with the aim of building his core strength.

In Beijing, McGrath will be competing against 50 of the top cross-country cyclists in the world. And competitors only have one chance to prove themselves as topnotch athletes on the 50-kilometre circuit, which features hills and descents of varying inclines and technical sections that will surely challenge every cyclist's bike-handling skills.

"It's supposed to be a really challenging course," said McGrath, adding that in order to compete in the sport at such a high level, cross-country cyclists must be well-rounded athletes that can learn to adapt and ride an array of different courses.

In response to concerns about the humidity and air quality in Beijing, McGrath, an asthmatic, told the Review that the cross-country cycling event is slated to take place roughly 40 kilometres away from the smoggy air of the city's downtown core.

Currently in his peak years as a professional cyclist, the 32-year-old Victoria, British Columbia resident hopes to land in the top five at this year's Games. "On a good day, I can ride top five in the world, so I am definitely shooting for that," he said of his Olympic goal.

Arriving in Beijing on August 18, McGrath will start gearing up for his big race, which takes place on August 23. His parents, Jim and Helen, will be on the sidelines, rooting him on throughout the race.

Approximately 10 days before the race, McGrath will start focusing more on his recovery to ensure his body and mind are well rested for one of the most intense events of his cycling career.

And when he's on the trail, McGrath explained that he is so focused on the path and the competitors around him that it's as if he is on his own planet. "When you are on a bike, it's the ultimate freedom," he said.

His competitive edge has kept McGrath at the top of his game. With 15 years of experience in the sport, he looks forward to returning to the professional circuit after the Olympic Games.

While enjoying a visit to his hometown this week, McGrath was pleased to spend time with his parents, family members and friends. "I am looking forward to getting out on my bike and riding my old trails in Waterdown," he said, listing off the great mountain bike trails the region has to offer.

Grateful for his parents' support throughout his cycling career, he said that, aside from his passion for the sport, he competes at such a high level for his family members and friends. "I do it for them to be able to say 'Oh, my son is in the Olympics,'" he said.

An outdoor enthusiast, McGrath spends his off-season (September to December) riding motocross bikes, snowboarding, hiking or champing. When December rolls around, he hops back onto his bike and gives it his all.

Thankful for all the support from his sponsors, including main national team sponsor Tim Hortons, as well as Fuji Bikes and Oakley Sunglasses, McGrath looks forward to competing with the best on the trails in Beijing. "You are on the world stage, it's the highest level of sport and it's so exciting," he said.

Until then, McGrath will be visiting in Millgrove, training in Waterdown and spending some quiet time with family and friends.