SCOTLAND’S TOP YOUNG RIDERS SHINE IN THE SUN AT FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP
On the 8th & 9th June, the world’s best mountain bike riders made their way to Fort William to compete in the first stage of the 2013 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. Alongside the heroes of the gravity world, 60 of Scotland’s most promising young bikers took part in the final of the ScottishPower Mini Downhill.
Girls and boys contested in age-groups at under 10, under 12, under 14 and under 16 levels and fought it out on their own track running parallel to that being used by the greatest riders on the planet. The next generation of Scottish mountain biking made it down in times as quick as 1 minute 3 seconds, a time set by under 14 boys’ winner, Myles Reid.
The top five riders in each category were then presented with caps and medals in a ceremony broadcast to the many thousands in attendance at the atmospheric Fort William event on the big screen. The ceremony preceded the men’s and women’s elite downhill qualification session and the winners were cheered onto the same medal ceremony stage which will be occupied by their heroes in Sundays World Cup finals.
Inverness-born Greg Williamson from Trek World Racing, who is Scotland’s leading prospect this weekend presented some of the medals. He said: “It’s great to see these talented young riders coming through the ranks in the ScottishPower Mini Downhill series. The boys and girls put in some impressive runs and I’m sure it won’t be too long before they’ll be competing in World Cup themselves.”
Andrew Dunlop, who won the male under 16s said: “I’m excited to be here at Fort William, my run was nice and smooth and it feels great to have won.”
