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Mountain bike world championships
03/09/2007
The UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships 2007 opens in Fort William today, the first time it has been held in the UK.
More than 700 riders from over 50 nations are taking part in the week-long event which is expected to draw crowds in excess of 40,000 mountain bike fans and outdoor enthusiasts are expected to attract 40,000 spectators to watch competion on trails voted the toughest and best on the circuit by professional riders.
Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell said:
"I am delighted Fort William is playing host to this prestigious international event, which showcases Scotland as a world-class sporting destination.
There are five Scots participating in this event, on the international stage, and on home soil - I wish Ruaridh Cunningham, Chris Hutchens, Ross Creber, Hamish Creber and Ruth McGavigan the very best of luck in their races.
Scotland is one of the top locations for mountain biking in the world, with natural terrain that is perfect for the activity. I hope the event inspires Scots of all ages to try this energetic and exciting sport."
Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, said:
We are delighted to be supporting the biggest World Championships being held in the UK this year.
Fort William has rapidly established itself as one of the best mountain bike competition venues in the world with a reputation for high standards, good organisation, excellent courses and facilities; consistently drawing large, very supportive and enthusiastic crowds from all over the UK and the rest of the world.
Staging the UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championship is another great example of why Scotland is the perfect stage for major international sporting events."