Fort William Bike Track Opening JAM event rides into town
The Highland Council are delighted to be part of the official opening JAM event of the trailblazing Fort William Bike Track to be held on Wednesday 2 August 2023 from 2pm.
The track opens just ahead of the UCI Cycling World Championships riding into town from 3-5 August for the Downhill Mountain Biking World Championships at Nevis Range, Fort William. The Championships is the biggest cycling event ever to be held, with a total of one million spectators across the 13 world championship events and an estimated one billion viewers across the world.
The pump track located next to Lochaber High School has cost approx. £500K and was designed and built by pump track specialists Velosolutions to ensure an exciting, challenging and safe track for all riders. Once works are fully completed the park will include a 265m championship pump track, a Skate/BMX park and an 85m adaptive pump track for individuals of all abilities.
Fort William Bike Track has been funded by The Highland Council, Sport Scotland, HIE and many other public fundraising efforts that local charity Lochaber Wheeled Sports Society has been instrumental in making a reality. £2K of funding from the Ward 21 discretionary budget will be used to purchase bikes for loan at the bike track, to help reduce barriers to participation and support user groups, including children’s services and active schools.
Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “Lochaber – Outdoor Capital of the UK is renowned for cycling and outdoor pursuits and the development of the Bike Track is fundamental to continuing to nurture and grow biking enthusiasts and potentially many more professional riders for generations to come.
“The £8M Cycling Facilities Fund (CFF) launched as part of the World Champs by the Scottish Government to support cycling facility projects across Scotland has enabled new and existing cyclists to be inspired to enjoy the health benefits that cycling offers, whilst creating a legacy long after the biggest cycling event in history comes to Scotland.
Cllr Gowans added: “Cycling and mountain biking is a growing tourism sector and Lochaber is well positioned as an all year round cycling destination for both trail and track biking.”
Lochaber Area Committee Chair, Cllr Kate Willis said: “Lochaber Wheeled Sport Society charity began fundraising efforts back in 2016, and their dedication and tenacity to build the facilities are being realised with thanks to a broad range of partners for their financial support and specialised expertise to create this new facility.
“The positive impact that the Bike Track offers both locals and visitors alike is incredible, particularly for the young people to have a trailblazing facility on their doorstep to inspire and encourage an active lifestyle but in a really fun and energetic way.”
Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, Development Co-ordinator, Ruari Watt said: “The Fort William Bike Park has been a real community effort and something that Fort William and Lochaber can be very proud of.
“The incredible dedication of a small group of volunteers has driven this project, but behind them is a network of groups and organisations that have been supporters of Fort William Bike Park, and who will help the project achieve its objectives – The West Highland Wheelers Cycling Club, Active Schools Coordinators, Lochaber High School, Highland Council Children’s services and local businesses will all be important users of the facility.”
Lochaber Wheeled Sports Society, Gregor Muir said: “On behalf of the Bike Park Committee I would like to welcome everyone to the opening party of the Fort William Bike Park. It is great to be able to host the opening party at the same time as the World MTB Downhill Championships.
“It’s been a long voyage to get here but with all the help and support from all our funders we have managed to build a phenomenal facility, conducive with the quality of riding available in Fort William and beyond. We hope the Fort William Bike Park is used and enjoyed by everyone for many years to come and it becomes a central hub for cycling in and around the area.”
Mikayla Parton, Fort William local who is competing in the elite women’s downhill event at the World MTB Championships in her hometown added: “Fort William Bike Park will be another amazing place to ride alongside the other great locations we have around the area. Fort William has some of the best technical mountain bike trails in the UK but lacked a place to develop jumping and pumping skills. I cannot wait to see everyone of all ages enjoying the new bike park and learning new things!”
The Bike Park is open to the public from 2pm on Wed 2 August, so come and soak up the atmosphere of Fort William ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
The official UCI Cycling Championship website (external link) contains all you need to know about the events taking place across Scotland 3-13 August 2023.