See the world's best mountain bikers at Fort William World Cup

Now in its 18th consecutive year, the acclaimed Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup returns to Fort William on June 1 and 2 for another weekend of world-class mountain biking.

The Nevis Range ski area will attract world-class athletes from 25 countries to compete at the highest level on the slopes of Aonach Mor.

Nevis Range is home to the 2.8km mountain bike downhill course, one of the longest and toughest on the World Cup circuit, with stunning views of the western Highlands.

The Mountain Bike World Cup is one of Scotland’s most acclaimed sporting events, with more than 30 national and international awards. A large part of its reputation is based on the noise and atmosphere generated in the finish arena by mountain biking’s most enthusiastic fans.

Each day around 11,000 passionate mountain biking fans will gather along the course, on the slopes of Aonach Mor, to cheer on their heroes as they race to the finish. It’s the riders and stars who deliver the excitement while the fans create the legendary Fort William World Cup atmosphere.

The Stoats 4X Pro Tour is the highlight of Saturday’s event, where four riders battle it out on the course in knockout format. These riders are fearless in their desire to take the fastest lines against their competition, and are sure to provide excitement for all who watch.

Regular shuttle buses transport fans from Fort William and Spean Bridge to the World Cup Village where you can check out and buy the latest bike gear, fuel up with a wide selection of food and drink and enjoy some special forms of entertainment and diversion.

Drop and Roll with Danny MacAskill will bring their famous professional street cycling team to showcase another kind of biking excellence, displaying incredible control and skill while performing stunts which are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The Redbull Matadors will kick off Sunday’s Downhill Finals in thrilling style. With a couple of XtremeAir XA41 aerobatic aircraft and two of the finest pilots in the world, it will be a show which is visible from every point on the 2.8km downhill track. When this curtain raiser ends, the finals begin.

There’s also the chance to meet and take photos with your favourite riders in the Tech Zone – the biking equivalent of the Formula One pits.

The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola travels above the course, giving a bird’s-eye view of the action, while the fit can walk down (and up) – the best way to appreciate the speed, technique and commitment of the riders as they do battle with the mountain and the clock.

There are some top British riders fighting for a podium slot, including double world champion Danny Hart and the number one Scottish prospect Reese Wilson, who was fifth at Fort William in 2018. In the women’s race, five-time downhill world champion Rachel Atherton is the one to beat, with Tahnée Seagrave chasing victory.

The World Cup offers something for everyone, and tickets are available now.

Visit www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk for information and tickets.

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