Fort William 2012 | Event Launch

Scotland is gearing up to host its biggest and best mountain biking event yet and one of the leading names in the sport showcased skills at the Saughton skatepark in Edinburgh that spectators can expect to see on 9 – 10 June in Fort William.

Danny Hart, who stormed to the title of World Downhill Champion last year, took to the Scottish stage to show off the tricks of his trade for the official launch of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, which attracts over 20,000 spectators to the ski area at Nevis Range near Fort William each year.


In addition to the adrenaline-packed Downhill and Four-Cross action, fans will be able to enjoy an enhanced spectator experience to celebrate the Year of Creative Scotland. The new digital hub will house interactive online activities whilst the World Cup Village will play host to some of Scotland’s top live music acts.

Accompanying the new creative elements in the World Cup Village will be the customary Tech Area, biking’s answer to the Formula 1 pit lane, where fans can catch up with the riders for photographs and autographs as well as a behind the scenes view of the stars preparing to race.

An array of bike manufacturers, bike-wear brands and team sponsors will also pack out the Expo Area alongside a mouth-watering selection of food and drink providers to keep everyone fuelled-up and ready to enjoy the incredible atmosphere.

Mike Jardine of event organisers Rare Management, said: “The Mountain Bike World Cup prides itself on the reputation it has amongst riders and fans alike. This year’s event in Fort William is set to be another exciting year with so many brilliant riders on the scene at the moment. Although the biking is at the heart of the whole weekend, there’s plenty to see and do for those simply interested in taking in a world class event set in some of the most stunning surroundings.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland, said: “The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup is one of the biggest events on Scotland’s sporting calendar, attracting the world’s best downhill and four-cross riders. For spectators the event is second to none in terms of action and excitement, and year on year we see a significant economic impact delivered for the Fort William area. Scotland is the perfect stage for major cycling events, and in the Mountain Bike World Cup we have a hugely exciting sporting spectacle, set against the stunning backdrop of the Nevis Range track and the passionate support of the Scottish crowds.”

Fort William is the third leg of the eight-stage tour, and Hart is sitting in fourth place after the season opener in South Africa, just one place behind compatriot Gee Atherton.

American rider Aaron Gwin and South African Greg Minnaar lead the way going into round two in Italy, but Hart’s fellow Brits Josh Bryceland, Steve Peat and Marc Beaumont are also among the top riders set to dazzle in the picturesque Scottish Highlands in June. In the Women’s downhill, there is yet more British talent with Rachel Atherton once again hot on the heels of the Fort William 2011 World Cup winner and former World Champion Tracy Moseley.

Pinkbike are also putting money on another Brit, Manon Carpenter, after she took second in South African season opener. Having concentrated on her final school exams in 2011 and despite barely riding her bike in the run up to last years event she still managed a stunning qualifying run to 5th place overall in the womens race so will be looking to improve in 2012.

Tickets are on sale now, priced from just £8 for children (aged 6-17) and £14 for adults, and can be purchased here.


Check out the rest of Keith's images here.