October 11/02 7:57 am - MTB World Cup: Fort William to get a triple in 2003

Posted by Editoress on 10/11/02
 

Fort William World Cup to be a Triple in 2003
Courtesy Podge Publicity

Following the success of the 2002 Mountain Bike World Cup at Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland, the UCI (International Cycle Union) has just announced that a triple World Cup will return to Fort William in 2003.

The 2002 World Cup featured the first ever Downhill and 4-X World Cups in the UK, bringing high-speed, spectacular mountainbiking to the slopes of the Nevis Range ski area. On 31 May and 1 June 2003 they will be joined by the Olympic discipline of Cross Country, the lung-busting 2.5hr endurance event that will take place in the Leanachan Forest that surrounds Nevis Range.

This will be the first ever triple Mountain Bike World Cup in the UK, and Fort William is anticipating their biggest ever crowds, enthusiastically supporting all of the World's top mountain bikers.

British interest will focus on the Downhill where Steve Peat (Sheffield) has dominated this season. As well as three wins and one second place at World Cups to take the overall World Cup title, he also won Silver at the World Championships.

Mike Jardine, from event organisers Rare Management (Edinburgh) stated, "Everyone involved in putting on the event is excited about a bigger and better 2003 World Cup. The introduction of Cross Country will create new levels of interest and bring all of mountain biking together for a great festival in the Highlands. Our immediate challenge is to put in place levels of funding to ensure another event of the highest quality."