The UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup returns to Fort William on Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 June with more than 19,000 fans making the journey to Nevis Range.
Ones to watch
World champion Rachel Atherton is in dominant form. Two successive victories in the 2016 world cup have stretched the Trek Factory Racing DH rider’s winning run to eight consecutive rounds, dating back to May 2015.
“I’m stoked to be racing at Fort William again,” Atherton said.
“Winning there last year was an amazing rush and the support from the home crowd is epic. There’s such a buzz and everyone really gets behind the riders.
“The track is fierce - long, fast and brutal - with a gnarly woods section which catches a lot of riders out, so you really get to see some mad skills. There’s no better feeling than flying through the Scotland arch into the arena and sprinting for the line.”
Manon Carpenter and Tahnee Seagrave guarantee a superb British representation in the elite women’s event, having completed a one-two-three behind Atherton at the opening round in Loudres.
In the men's event, Teesside’s Danny Hart, world champion in 2011, seeks a first Fort William world cup win. Gee Atherton, who boasts world cup wins at Fort William in 2010 and 2013, looks to complete his hat-trick.
Away from the Brits, 2015 overall champion American Aaron Gwin, and last year’s Fort William champion, South African Greg Minnaar, are part of the formidable opposition.
The course
At 2.8km long and descedning 555m, the demanding course includes rock gardens, rock slabs, big jumps and technical natural sections to test riders.
Schedule
Saturday 4 June
12.30pm: Downhill qualifying - junior men
1.30pm: Downhill qualifying - elite women
2pm: Downhill qualifying - elite men
Sunday 5 June
12pm: Downhill final - junior men
1pm: Downhill final - elite women
2pm: Downhill final - elite men
How to follow
- Tickets are still available for the event costing from £14 for adults and £8 for children aged 6-17 years old. Family packages are also available starting from £36. For more details on the event and to buy tickets, visit www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk.
- Watch coverage on Red Bull TV from 2.30pm on Sunday
- Follow @BritishCycling on Twitter for updates.
