The Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Fort William was, yet again, a stunning celebration of two wheeled action in the Highlands.
The weather played its part with glorious sunshine for the 4X and DH Finals and a wee shower or two just at the right time to damp down the dust.
The riders delivered their best, most competitive performances in front of the largest Fort William World Cup crowd in its 8 years as a classic stop on the UCI calendar.
For the fans – well if you were there you experienced it all. And if you weren’t, then no doubt you’ll hear about it from those that were.
Thanks to everyone for making it another memorable event and we look forward to seeing you all in 2010.
Photo credit: James Porteous
Latest News
25/6/09 - World Cup on the Adventure Show
BBC Scotland’s Adventure Show will be featuring the World Cup this Sunday, 28 June. For viewers in Scotland it’s on BBC2 Scotland at 7pm, with Sky it’s accessible on channel 990. Hopefully it will also be available on BBC iPlayer for anyone without a Skybox.
Photo credit: James Porteous
2010 UCI Calendar confirmed
The 2010 Mountain Bike World Cup calendar has been confirmed, with only 6 World Cups for each discipline instead of 8 this year.
Fort William has retained its iconic position on the tour with another gravity weekend of Downhill and 4-Cross action on 5-6 June. The UK also has an XC World Cup at Dalby Forest on 24-25 April, the opening event on the season.
April 24-25: Dalby Forest (England) - XC #1
May 1-2: Houffalize (Belgium) - XC #2, 4X #1
May 15-16: Maribor (Slovenia) - DH #1, 4X #2
May 22-23: Offenburg (Germany) - XC #3 June 5-6: Fort William (Scotland) - DH #2, 4X #3
June 19-20: Schladming (Austria) - DH #3, 4X #4
July 24-25: Champery (Switzerland) - XC/DH #4
July 31-Aug 1: Val Di Sole (Italy) - XC/DH/4X #5
August 28-29: Windham, NY (USA) - XC/DH/4X #6
August 31-Sept 5: World Championships, Mont-Sainte-Anne (Canada)
So, set aside the 5-6 June 2010 for a pilgrimage to the Fort and more of the best mountain bike action in the World. You could even book your accommodation now.
World Cup website under attack
The World Cup website came under attack from some sort of lowlife spammer/hacker just after the World Cup, giving rise to various warnings from Google and others. We’ve cleaned everything up and changed the security but it might take a week or two for changes to be recognised by Google. Apologies for the disruption but hopefully all will be well shortly.
All results, timings and race analyses are also available for download from the UCI website. Visit the UCI Website by clicking here.
Sunday 7 June - Minnaar steals the Downhill again
Today, spectators witnessed another adrenalin packed competition at the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Fort William, as the weekend drew to a close with the dramatic Downhill men and women finals. With such fierce competition in the qualifying rounds, the finals were always set to finish in exhilarating style.
Up first, the Downhill women saw a clean sweep for France, as podium places went to Sabrina Jonnier (Gold), Emeline Raggot (Silver) and Celine Gros (Bronze) after they battled it out to secure the fastest time, on the longest downhill course on the circuit.
The mens’ final proved that nothing is certain on competition day as an energetic Downhill attracted the biggest crowds of the weekend. South Africa’s Greg Minnaar valiantly rode home to defend his winner’s title, in an impressive time of 4:38.98. Hot on his heels, was Aussie favourite Sam Hill, with bronze being taken by the flying Kiwi, Samuel Blenkinsop. Dropping valuable seconds meant Brit, Gee Atherton - hotly tipped for first place after a spectacular performance in the qualifying stages – narrowly missed a top three spot. He still stormed in to a winner’s welcome from the home crowd, in a commendable 4th place.
A thrilled Greg Minnaar (RSA) said, ”It’s just amazing as I didn’t think I’d win for the second year in a row. Rain a few days ago made the course conditions hard, but I’m really pleased that I managed to pull it out of the bag.”
Top men’s junior on the Downhill course was the fearless Danny Hart, aged 18 from Middlesbrough, who finished in an impressive 20th place.
MEN'S DH FINAL
1. MINNAAR Greg (RSA) 4:38.98
2. HILL Samuel (AUS) 4:40.43
3. BLENKINSOP Samuel (NZL) 4:41.85
4. ATHERTON Gee (GBR) 4:41.97
5. HANNAH Michael (AUS) 4:43.13
6. PEAT Steve (GBR) 4:44.61
7. BRYCELAND Josh (GBR) 4:46.15
8. LEHIKOINEN Matti (FIN) 4:46.44
9. GWIN Aaron (USA) 4:46.72
10. BEAUMONT Marc (GBR) 4:47.34
The 9,000 strong Fort William crowd was out in mass to support the top womens’ Downhill riders. With the French flag flying high, they were set to give the Brits a run for their money as they prepared to dominate the podium.
A tight contest from the top women riders meant it looked as though the gold medal was in close contention, until Jonnier stormed down the course to the finish line, out-pacing the rest of the field by a clear margin of nine seconds. Brit Tracy Moseley looked strong coming into the race but had but had a fall in the technical section in the woods.
The Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Fort William kicked off today (Saturday 6th June 2009) with a spectacular show of speed, strength and victory, as Lochaber witnessed a closely fought 4-Cross final at the Nevis Range.
Fighting for glory, as thousands of spectators and fellow riders watched on in excitement, an ecstatic Jared Graves (AUS) battled home to secure his World Cup Title in this evening’s 4-Cross final.
4X Mens
Retaining his title reigning champion Jared Graves stormed home to grab victory on the rugged Fort William course. Commenting on his gold medal win he said; “I’m so pleased to have won, I really wanted to take first place in Scotland. I’d had a really great start to the run which set me up fantastically and allowed me to gain an advantage over the other riders.”
Hot on the heels of the winning rider, Saladini (FRA) and Mechura (CZE) came in a close silver and bronze, as they conquered the twists and turns of the famous Nevis Range course.
Proud of his silver victory for the French team, Saladini said; "In the last few races I have made it to the semi-finals but I've never been in the final before. Second place is a really strong result - it's like a win for me and I'm really happy."
Despite an absence of Brits on the podium, Dan Atherton – knocked out in the quarter-final stage and Scott Beaumont - hampered by a rear puncture in the semi-final, made a valiant attempt to conquer the competition, with a supportive crowd behind them.
4-Cross MEN Results
1. GRAVES Jared (AUS)
2. SALADINI Romain (FRA)
3. MECHURA Lukas (CZE)
4. MEIJER Jurg (NED)
5. PROKOP Michal (CZE)
4-Cross WOMEN
The top female riders battled it out against one another in a closely contended race , with Jill Kintner (USA) taking first place in the women’s 4-Cross final.
Following the awards ceremony, Jill Kintner (USA) said; “I had a really good start today so I’m so delighted to have made it to first place, I’m just thrilled!’’
A strong British presence saw Fionn Griffiths fly over the track as she took a formidable third place, with a home crowd cheering her on to her podium place.
Coming in behind Kintner, Caroline Buchanan (AUS) was closely followed by Fionn Griffiths (GBR) came second and third, as they braved the berms and jumps of the world’s toughest 4-Cross courses.
Fionn Griffiths (GBR) said; “I’m really happy to have got through to third place today I’m delighted with my performance as the competition was really tough out there.”
The World Cup Crew have been sweltering in glorious sunshine since Monday, working hard to turn the slopes of Aonach Mor and the Nevis Range car park into the best mountain biking arena in the World.
The teams have started to arrive and the stage is set for this weekend’s Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
If you are coming up we’ll see you there, if you can’t make it, then catch the action live on Eurosport (Downhill) and Freecaster on-line (4X and Downhill).
Nevis Range have turned their webcam to the ever changing scene in the Villagewww.nevisrange.co.uk. Here’s some shots of the Village taking shape.
May the best riders win…….
25/5/09 - Look mum, I'm on the telly
You’ve really got to be there to experience the full World Cup atmosphere – but if you can’t make it, then you can catch the action live, either on Freecaster (internet) or Eurosport 2 (satellite or SKY).
Confirmed coverage:
Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 4X
Freecaster Saturday 6 June 7pm – 8pm LIVE
Eurosport 2 Sunday 7 June 11.45-12.45 Recorded, as live
Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill - Women
Freecaster Sunday 7 June 13.15 – 14.00 LIVE
Eurosport 2 Sunday 7 June 13.15 – 14.00 LIVE
Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill - Men
Freecaster Sunday 7 June 14.00 – 16.15 LIVE
Eurosport 2 Sunday 7 June 14.00 – 16.15 LIVE
Highlights
The Adventure Show BBC2 Scotland – date to be confirmed
Extreme Channel – date to be confirmed
There may be some availability on the day but, as they say, book early to avoid disappointment.
5/5/09 - British Trials Championships at World Cup
Bike Trials has always been a big hit at Fort William, with incredibly skilled riders demonstrating an astonishing level of bike handling and control over and around the sections in the Village and the neighbouring river.
This year there’s a round of the British National Trials Cup on the Saturday and then the British National Trials Championships takes place on the Sunday, guaranteeing the best of UK Bike Trials action and continuous action in the World Cup Village.
Photo credit: Steve Lindridge / Ideal Images / www.idealimages.co.uk
15/5/09 - Shanaze Reade heads north for 4X debut
BMX star and GB Olympic 2012 hopeful Shanaze Reade has officially thrown her hat in the ring to compete in the 4X at the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
The Fort William 4X will be the first foray into professional mountain biking competition for 20-year-old Shanaze, the current UCI Elite World BMX Champion, as she prepares for a shot at the 4X World Championship title in Canberra later this year.
The multi-talented rider already has world track cycling gold to her name, which she won along with Victoria Pendleton in the women’s team sprint in 2008.
”I’ve always loved mountain biking but this will be my first real test competitively. I want to prove that I’m versatile and I’m really going for a big year – aiming for BMX and mountain bike titles. I’ve heard great things about the course at Fort William – it’ll be brilliant fun but a major challenge too. Bring it on!”
6/5/09 - YouTube Danny for the Fort
If you’ve got the slightest interest in two wheeled action, the chances are you’ve seen the Inspired video with Skye’s Danny MacAskill, where he comprehensively rips up the Edinburgh streetscape in a truly remarkable display of street trials.
With 4 million hits and 24,000 comments he’s in Susan Boyle territory and is getting attention all over the world.
But he’s sticking close to his roots with a performance on the Saturday at the World Cup, just before the 4X Finals. Which he is then going to watch. And then he and the rest of the Clan team are heading into town for a Party in the Fort display.
6/5/09 - World Cup Bike Test
If you’ve always wanted to ride during the World Cup weekend, then the World Cup Bike Test is for you. Top brands such as Commencal, Genesis, KTM Industries, Santa Cruz and Trek have lined up some fantastic bikes for you to test-ride on parts of the World Championship cross country trail, and Fox Shox are providing technical support to ensure that bikes are set up just the way you like them. All you need is a ticket to attend the World Cup to get access to free bike testing. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
20/4/09 - Alpine Bikes to run free workshop seminars
World Cup partner Alpine Bikes will be organising a number of workshop seminars at the Alpine Bikes Park. Look out for further details of these free seminars in a later update.
20/4/09 - Greg and Tracy take opening honours in South Africa
Pietermaritzburg in South Africa hosted the opening round of the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano over the Easter weekend. Two well-known Fort William winners claimed victory in the Downhill. Greg Minnaar (South Africa) stormed in ahead of Mick Hannah (Australia) and Steve Peat to take a home win in front of an ecstatic crowd while Tracy Moseley was in dominant form ahead of Emmeline Ragot and Sabrina Jonnier from France.
In the 4X, Jared Graves (Australia) also from the Fort William Hall of Fame, and Anneke Beerten (Netherlands) claimed the top step of the podium with a great 2nd place for Fionn Griffiths.
The XC races were dominated by Jose Antonio Hermida Ramos (Spain) and Elizabeth Osl (Austria) with Liam Killeen and Oli Beckinsale opening their 2009 season in 20th and 22nd respectively.
Now the action moves to Offenburg in Germany for a Cross Country World Cup on 25-26 April.
Tracy takes podium in South Africa. Photo: phunkt.com
20/4/09 - MBUK go big in Fort William
This month sees MBUK magazine produce their ‘Scotland special’ issue. There’s a huge 46 page special section featuring the Scottish mountain biking scene, a free DVD featuring sections from Scottish mountain biking film ‘Home’, and also a 9 page special on the Fort William World Cup – a veritable who, what, where and when from those in the know.
The UK’s best-selling bike magazine is also going to have a strong presence at Fort William with goody bags for every visitor to their special stand in the World Cup Village.
The MBUK Scottish special is on sale now!
25/3/09 - Get ready for Monster and their ball of steel
Fort William is a Monster fuelled World Cup and as part of their promotional plans, Monster are bringing the renowned Ball of Steel all the way from the USA. It promises to be a unique variation on the Wall of Death experience and you’ll be able to catch the show several times a day during the World Cup weekend.
2009 Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Calendar
April
11 - 12 XCO / DHI/4X 1 Pietermaritzburg – RSA
25 - 26 XCO 2 Offenburg – GER
May
2 - 3 XCO 3 / 4X 2 Houffalize – BEL
9 - 10 DHI 2 La Bresse – FRA
16 – 17 DHI/4X 3 Vallnord - AND
23 – 24 XCO 4 Madrid - ESP
June
6 – 7 DHI/4X 4 Fort William – GBR
20 – 21 DHI/4X 5 Maribor – SLO
July
25 – 26 XCO 5 / DHI/4X 6 Mont-Saint-Anne – CAN
August
1 - 2 XCO 6 / DHI/4X 7 Bromont - CAN
September
1 – 6 World Championships Canberra – AUS
12 – 13 XCO 7 Champéry – SUI
19 – 20 XCO / DHI/4X 8 Schladming - AUT
