Also new for 2009 is something organisers have dubbed the World Cup Bike Test – basically a chance to demo bikes at the World Championship XC course in the Leanachan Forest.

Of course there’s also the staple events everyone’s come to see, the ‘Gravity Gathering’, a showcase of world-class Downhill and 4Cross biking competition.

Now in its eighth year, the event is expected to attract more than 400 competitors and up to 20,000 spectators. It’s been voted the best mountain bike event in the world three years running so they must be doing something right.

Mike Jardine from event organisers Rare Management, comments: “The Nissan UCI Fort William World Cup is much more than a fantastic sporting event – it’s also a great weekend away for anyone who wants to get outdoors and enjoy the thrill and buzz of the sport in a spectacular location.

“We’ve got another exciting programme of world class competition planned for this year’s event, and are looking forward to welcoming back the global superstars of the sport to Scotland. This year there will be two British reigning Downhill World Champions to watch and cheer – the amazing Gee and Rachel Atherton brother and sister pairing who have taken the sport by storm. They’ll be racing on what is widely regarded as one of the best mountain biking terrains in the world. With plenty of global stars, incredible biking action and lots more to see and do, it promises to be to be an unmissable event.”

The World Cup at Fort Bill takes place June 6-7. Tickets for the event go on sale on the 23rd March. For more information on this year’s programme, tickets, the course and competitors as well as travelling to the event and accommodation in the local area please visit www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

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