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Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 05/05/2022

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 makes its return to Fort William.

Following two years of cancellations due to the pandemic, the nail-biting action will once again take place on Aonach Mòr 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 over 21,000 expected to enjoy the action over the weekend of 21 May to 22 May, cheering 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 over £43 million to the Scottish economy as a whole.

The return of the Fort William UCI Mountain Bike World Cup also 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.

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.

Matt Walker, 2020 Overall World Cup Champion

It’s fantastic to have the Fort William World Cup back for 2022. It’s such an iconic venue and never fails to deliver exciting racing.

There are not many tracks that challenge you the way Fort William does, and I always enjoy riding it. I’m excited to get it underway!

Reece Wilson, 2020 World Champion

Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and after the challenges of the last two years it is great to have the Fort William UCI Mountain Bike World Cup back.

Events play an important role in our communities, as they allow us all to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences. As one of the must-see events on our sporting calendar the Fort William UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will provide the perfect stage to showcase what Scotland has to offer as we build towards hosting the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships next year while also supporting the wider recovery of tourism and events in the Highlands.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland

It’s great to be back in the Fort this year. It’s always exciting to welcome all the fans and the world’s top riders to Scotland but this year feels extra special after the challenges of the previous two years.

There’s no better place for a downhill mountain bike showdown and it’s a fantastic chance for us to all give a huge Fort William welcome to two wonderful home riders in Matt Walker and Reece Wilson, who enjoyed brilliant success in 2020.

Mike Jardine, Rare Management (Event Organisers)

For more information and event tickets, visit the event website at fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

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