MTB World Cup set to make return
The Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup returns to Fort William on May 21-22 after two years on hold, writes Fiona Scott.
For the first time since 2019, the UK gravity biking community will once again be treated to world class mountain-biking as the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup returns to the town.
The nail-biting action will once again take place on Anoach Mor at the Nevis Range ski centre as top riders including Reece Wilson, 2020 Downhill World Champion, and Matt Walker, 2020 Overall World Cup Champion, battle it out for the Downhill World Cup and 4x Pro Tour titles.
This will be the 19th time the legendary Fort William event takes place, with more than 21,000 expected to enjoy the action and cheer on 250 of the world’s best riders.
The return of the event this year is expected to provide a £4 million benefit to the Scottish economy as mountain bike fans return to Fort William. Since its launch in 2002, the award-winning event has contributed more than £43 million to the Scottish economy.
The event has a new main partner for 2022. Online bike retailer Freewheel.co.uk is sponsoring the event as well as being part of the Madison Saracen Team, one of the leading UCI elite teams. Matt Walker, 2020 Overall World Cup Champion, said: ‘Fort William is a real highlight in the calendar and I can’t wait to get back up there this year and compete.
‘The fans are always incredible and after two years away, it’ll be great to compete in front of them again and feed off the energy and noise they provide.’