UCI World Cup will return to Scottish Highlands for 2018

Organisers of the Fort William leg of the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup have announced the event will return to the Scottish Highlands in 2018.

At the same time, the UCI has announced a new title sponsor for the ten-event World Cup circuit – vehicle brand, Mercedes Benz.

The Fort William event, which was named as the best Downhill Mountain Bike event on the World Cup circuit in 2017, will see more than 20,000 spectators from around the world will attend the weekend of races.

As the only UK leg of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, the event is set to take place on the slopes of Anoach Mor in the Nevis Range on Saturday, June 2nd and 3rd.

The Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup continues to bring a huge financial boost to Highland tourism delivering an estimated £2.9 million to the local economy in 2017 and £37 million since 2002. This year’s event was attended by more than 23,000 over three days.

Mike Jardine of organisers Rare Management said: “Over the last 16 years we’ve worked with our partners to establish the Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup’s reputation as a world class spectacle and event experience for all the family. In that time, we’ve witnessed many memorable moments of phenomenal downhill action, especially when the final riders drop into the finish arena.

“The event brings elite riders, teams and spectators from all over the world to the Scottish Highlands, where they can enjoy a great experience and the legendary Fort William atmosphere.”