UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2010 in Fort William, Scotland

Downhill mountain biking’s most successful competitor and reigning World Champion Steve Peat rolled into Scotland today (Monday 22nd March) to mark the official launch of the UCI Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup 2010.

Sheffield-born Steve stopped off north of the border to show off the world-class skills that have led to him being crowned the most successful Downhill competitor ever, (with more than 50 podium results in World Cups and World Championships) and helped to kick-off ticket sales for the 9th annual World Cup.

He and hundreds of other professional mountain bikers will return to the scenic Scottish Highlands on 5 – 6th June 2010, for the multi award-winning event – an adrenaline-packed weekend of world-class Downhill and 4-Cross action which this year features a new Downhill Rock & Roll theme.

As he prepares to head off around the globe on the competitive mountain bike circuit, Steve said he can’t wait to get back to Fort William: “Scotland has some of the best biking terrain in the world, and there’s a real enthusiasm for the sport here which always makes for a brilliant atmosphere. It always helps to have a vocal UK crowd – especially when I’m going to be defending my title!”

Last year’s event attracted more than 18,500 fans to Fort William, and generated an estimated £2.5 million* for the local economy.

Mike Jardine of organisers Rare Management said the World Cup is much more than a sporting event: “Steve’s such a hero in the mountain biking community we’re sure the crowds will be even bigger as they come to cheer him on as reigning World Champion. It’s all shaping up for a really entertaining and exciting two days, both for fans of the sport and those who’re simply after an action-packed day out or weekend away.”

Tickets for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup are now on sale at the new look event website www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk where event-goers can also find out more about this year’s programme, tickets, the course and competitors as well as travelling to the event and accommodation in the local area.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

UCI World Mountain Biking Championships 2007

Mountain Biking Scotland has been at the BIGGEST Mountain Biking event in the World.......
In FORT WILLIAM! Yes, that's right it is finally here all of he glitz and glamour of the Mountain Biking circuit are upon our shores. As this is THE WORLDS the number of media in attendance is huge. Expecting over 40,000 people to attend this is the 'other' event happening in Scotland other than the national teams playing football and rugby. We will be bringing you the results and photos of the 4X, XCountry and of course the crowd's favourite the Downhill.

USA certainly made their mark in the 4X with Brian Lopes taking 1st place in the Men's and Jill Kintner taking the Gold for the Women. It was certainly an eventful evening with he racing starting at 8.00pm to comply with live TV, the Men's 4X got off to a great start with Gee Atherton setting a blistering start from the gate, taking the lead and jumping with style into the next round.
His luck never held out though and was knocked out in the quarter finals, but Scott Beaumont of Team GB made it through to the Small Final taking 3rd place. Cedric Gracia was not so lucky taking a crash in the bomb hole in the quarter finals, he was led away by emergency crew limping and dusty, but still in one piece. Lets hope he will be ok for the Downhill on Sunday.

In the Elite Men's XC Julin Absalon of France took the win by more than one minute in a field of over 100 riders.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"