HOW not TO WATCH A WORLD CUP
We’ve been heading up to the Fort William World Cup for 15 years now, and we’ve learnt a few things the hard way. Follow this advice at your peril!
1. Rush hour on Friday evening is the best time to set out on your eight-hour mission to the Fort. The traffic is never that bad and getting stuck behind a caravan on your way round Loch Lomond gives you a great opportunity to soak in the scenery.
2. If you forgot to book accommodation and all the B&Bs are full, don’t worry, there are plenty of riverside camping spots where you’ll be surrounded by the native wildlife (midges).
3. Well rested from a night under canvas, fuel up for a big day on the hill by sampling the local delicacies – square sausage, haggis and a battered Mars bar, washed down with a litre of Irn-Bru.
4. When you get to the race site, make it your mission to blag as much free stuff as you can. Team mechanics love being asked for stickers while they’re working on a bike – it gives them a nice break.
5. Scotland is renowned for its settled weather, so be optimistic and pack light, as a waterproof will only take up valuable beer space. Flip- lops are the perfect track-walking footwear, offering great traction, all-day comfort and a secure, bog-proof it.
6. Sun cream is for wusses, and you want to end the weekend with a rosy red glow. Leave the cream at home, take your shirt off and apply free stickers to your torso for a nice even tan.
7. A good time to go around collecting pros’ autographs is right before their inals runs. They’ll be easy to ind on their turbo trainers near the start and are usually really receptive to having a poster thrust in their face while warming up. one.
8. The best place to spectate is on the outside of corners. You might end up with a face full of roost, or become a crash pad for an out-ofcontrol racer careering o track, but the photos will be so worth it.
9. Pro photographers always know the best places to stand, so position yourself just in front of them, camera phone in hand, to best capture the action.