Fort William World Cup tickets on sale

The Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2008 announced the official launch of ticket sales for the world-renowned event.

The World Cup will be held on the 6th, 7th and 8th of June 2008. Fort William will once again play host to the event recognized as “Best Mountain Bike Event in the World” for three consecutive years, as well as “Scottish Sporting Event of the Year 2006”.

With only nine weeks to go until the competitions begin, Scotland’s top talent is gearing up for the Mountain Bike World Cup circuit this year, making sure they are fighting fit to take on the rugged terrain and gruelling slopes of Lochaber.

The scenic slopes of Aonach Mor and the Forestry Commission Scotland’s Leanachan Forest, will challenge the 500 world-class riders from more than 35 countries. The riders will compete in three of the most demanding, high-speed events in extreme freesports – Downhill, 4 Cross and the Olympic discipline of Cross Country. Tickets to see all of the action can now be
purchased at www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk or by calling 01397 705 825(between 9am-5pm).

One of Scotland’s top mountain biking stars, Ruaridh Cunningham (18)from the Borders, impressed last year when he won Britain’s first evermen’s gold Downhill medal, as a junior. His win was a great boost for the British team and at only 18, he is tipped for even greater things.

Ruaridh comments;

“Winning last year’s World Championship means the pressure is really on for me, and the rest of the British team. But we’re determined to do well again this year. The atmosphere at Fort William is always electric and the tracks really are awesome.”

Hopes are high for homegrown talent this year, with many British riders in with a real chance of podium places, especially in the Downhill event. Building on their success, many of last year’s World Championship medalists will be returning to the Fort William circuit including Rachel Atherton (Silver, Women’s Elite DH), Katy Curd (Silver, Women’s Junior DH), Gee Atherton (Bronze, Men’s Elite DH) and Dave Fletcher (Bronze, Men’s XC).

They will also be joined by a host of other British contenders including multi-World Cup winners Steve Peat (DH) and Tracy Moseley (DH), Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Liam Killeen (XC) and rising stars Ross and Hamish Creber (XC).

Mike Jardine from event organizers Rare Management, adds;

“The mountain biking world is looking forward to the mix of adrenalin, fun and entertainment that is synonymous with the World Cup. We’re hoping this year will be even more successful. Riders and their bikes are really put to the test but we’re confident our British contenders are up for the challenge.”

With universal appeal for males and females, young and old, families or businesses looking for unique corporate hospitality, the celebrated event attracted more than 40,000 visitors to Fort William in 2007. It has brought more than £10 million to the local area since 2002, and is seen as one of the major events in the Scottish sporting calendar.

For more information on the events, tickets, courses and competitors, please visit; http://www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk/