2012 UCI World Cup Round 3 Fort William

In 2012 there will be the biggest assembly of British World Champion title-holders in any single sport – in Fort William.

Is Downhill mountain biking one of the most successful of British sports in this Olympic year? Come and find out in June when 8 home-grown World Champions from the past 6 years take on the cream of the world’s downhill speed merchants, at the best mountain bike event on the planet, in front of the best crowds.

Having so many UK stars is an inspiration for everyone who attends – there’s always the prospect of Brits on the podium. But success is hard fought, with more than 250 riders from 25 countries battling down the notorious Nevis Range course in front of passionate, cheering crowds.

As well as the stars of downhill there’ll be a 4X Pro Tour event, the new international race series for the gladiatorial, head-to head mountain bike discipline that’s always a firm favourite at Fort William.

For the biggest sporting party with a glittering collection of British stars and global biking heroes, it’s got to be Fort William.

Downhill Course Description

The Downhill is a full-on, flat-out, no-compromise charge down the face of Aonach Mor, the 9th highest mountain in the UK. Riders need physical strength, quick reflexes, superb bike control and an unerring eye for the right line as they speed down the 2.8km long course. And a lot of bottle!

The permanent Nevis Range Downhill track has received some radical upgrades and new features since 2010 and it’s anticipated that another phase will be completed for the 2012 event. The lower Motorway section, a pedally flat section before the spectacular entry to the finish arena is due for a major revamp that will introduce higher speeds and some big jumps.

Starting beside the top station of the gondola the course descends 555m, making it one of the longest and toughest courses on the circuit.

Most of the course is visible from the gondola (the mountain cableway used for skiing in the winter, which provides access for riders with bikes and spectators), giving great views of riders as they charge down below you.

The fast top section of the course is framed by stunning views of Ben Nevis, the sea lochs of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil, and the islands of the Inner Hebrides. Rock gardens, rock slabs, big jumps and technical natural sections will provide plenty of challenges all the way to the magnificent finish section and the incredible noise of the best spectators in the world.

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Ladies and gents, yesterday was track-walk day at the Fort William World Cup ....

Join Wideopenmag's Rich Thomas and friends for a walk of the track, loads of banter and some of the worst questions Matti Lehikoinen and Greg Minnaar have ever been asked. Also to find out what CG Brigade's Mariela Williams loves "the end of".

Stay tuned for our pit-walk banter vid later today as we take mountain bike interviews to a new low!

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2012 Fort William World Cup Men's Qualifying Results

2012 Fort William World Cup Women's Qualifying Results

2012 Fort William World Cup Men's Finals Results

2012 Fort William World Cup Women's Finals Results