Downhill mountain biking’s most
successful competitor and reigning World Champion Steve Peat rolled into
Scotland today (Monday 22nd March) to mark the official launch of the UCI
Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup 2010.
Sheffield-born Steve stopped off north
of the border to show off the world-class skills that have led to him being
crowned the most successful Downhill competitor ever, (with more than 50
podium results in World Cups and World Championships) and helped to kick-off
ticket sales for the 9th annual World Cup.
He and hundreds of other professional
mountain bikers will return to the scenic Scottish Highlands on 5 – 6th June
2010, for the multi award-winning event – an adrenaline-packed weekend of
world-class Downhill and 4-Cross action which this year features a new
Downhill Rock & Roll theme.
As he prepares to head off around the
globe on the competitive mountain bike circuit, Steve said he can’t wait to
get back to Fort William: “Scotland has some of the best biking terrain in
the world, and there’s a real enthusiasm for the sport here which always
makes for a brilliant atmosphere. It always helps to have a vocal UK crowd –
especially when I’m going to be defending my title!”
Last year’s event attracted more than
18,500 fans to Fort William, and generated an estimated £2.5 million* for
the local economy.
Mike Jardine of organisers Rare
Management said the World Cup is much more than a sporting event: “Steve’s
such a hero in the mountain biking community we’re sure the crowds will be
even bigger as they come to cheer him on as reigning World Champion. It’s
all shaping up for a really entertaining and exciting two days, both for
fans of the sport and those who’re simply after an action-packed day out or
weekend away.”
Tickets for the UCI Mountain Bike
World Cup are now on sale at the new look event website
www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk where event-goers can also find out
more about this year’s programme, tickets, the course and competitors as
well as traveling to the event and accommodation in the local area.
