World Cup stars arrive in Scotland ahead of Fort William kick off
The world’s top mountain biking stars are arriving in Scotland, kicking off the countdown to the UCI Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup 2010, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of spectators to the Highlands this coming weekend.
Around 300 professional riders are due to descend on Fort William for the multi award-winning event this coming weekend (5/6th June) where preparations are underway for an adrenaline-packed weekend of world-class Downhill and 4-Cross action on the scenic slopes of Aonach Mor.
South African Greg Minnaar, who is the leading the World Cup series this year, was among the first to arrive in Scotland. Minnaar is no stranger to success at Fort William with three Downhill champion titles under his belt. He also holds the record for the course of 4 minutes 38 seconds.
British talent will be battling it out against the international stars with Sheffield born Steve Peat, family outfit Gee, Dan and Rachel Atherton and Scots downhillers Ruaridh Cunningham and Ben Cathro all aiming to secure podium places in front of the home crowds.
Mike Jardine, of World Cup organisers Rare Management, said: “The excitement is really building ahead of this year’s event as the stars of the sport arrive back in Scotland for what’s going to be a big weekend of mountain biking action. Here on-site, the final preparations are being made to the course and the World Cup village. We can’t wait to get going!”
In between the sporting action, this year’s event features a host of other activities in and around the World Cup Village, including the Saracen MBUK Dirt Jump Air Bag, where spectators can pull stunts in a safe environment, and, in keeping with this year’s Downhill Rock & Roll theme, live music from Dirty Modern Hero - an Edinburgh band who won the chance to play in front of the Fort William crowd.
Last year’s event attracted 18,500 spectators, generated £2.5 million for the local economy and was attended by nearly 200 media from around the world.
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer of national events agency EventScotland said: “Fort William is the perfect stage for the annual UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. EventScotland has supported the event since 2003, helping it grow into the multi-award winning stage that it is today. Riders and fans love the courses and the action; this year’s event will be another highpoint for this sport which continues to attract new audiences.”
Councillor Sandy Park, Convener of The Highland Council, welcomed the return of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup to Fort William. He said: “We are delighted to support the best mountain bike event in the world, which not only provides a huge economic benefit to our local economy and tourism industry but is also inspiring many young Highland cyclists to take up the challenging and rewarding sport of mountain biking. Recent participation in Highland schools mountain bike races has shown that we may have a few race stars of tomorrow in the making.”
Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup By Numbers