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Biking stars kick-off Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2009

23rd March 2009

Issued by: Stripe Communications

Two of Scotland’s top mountain biking stars today (Monday 23rd March) officially launched the UK leg of the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2009, encouraging families, fans and enthusiasts to head to the Highlands ‘for a piece of the action’ at this year’s event. 

Downhill riders Ruaridh Cunningham and Ben Cathro descended on Edinburgh’s rugged Calton Hill to mark the launch of ticket sales for the award-winning fixture, which returns to the scenic slopes and gruelling terrain around Fort William for an eighth year on the 6th and 7th June 2009.

With only ten weeks to go until the World Cup action kicks-off, 20-year-old Ruaridh and Ben ‘The Giraffe’ Cathro took time out from their training schedule to check out the terrain of Calton Hill and practice their skills against the backdrop of the Scottish capital’s skyline.

Ruaridh, who is from the Scottish Borders and has been racing for seven years, said: “I can’t wait for the Fort William World Cup – the best thing about it is the atmosphere. It’s a massive event and you can always count on it having the biggest crowds and the best pits on the circuit.”

18-year-old Ben from Oban, who is known for the distinctive biking style his 6’7’’ frame affords him, added: “There’s always such a buzz at Fort William. We’ll be up against the world’s best riders and we really want to make sure Scotland’s well represented. The more home support the better!”

Ruaridh and Ben will be among more than 400 international biking stars set to head to the Highlands for the World Cup’s ‘Global Gravity Gathering’, a showcase of world-class Downhill and 4Cross biking competition. This year’s event also features two brand new elements set to wow the crowds and give them a taste of the action.

The Cross Country Sprint is a new, crowd-pleasing race set on a fast and exciting short course that will showcase the cream of British biking talent to spectators. Also new for 2009 is the World Cup Bike Test, where fans and enthusiasts can put the latest bikes through their paces on the World Championship XC course in the Leanachan Forest.

Mike Jardine from event organisers Rare Management, said: “There’s a real buzz around mountain biking in the UK at the moment – we’ve got fantastic home-grown talent and Fort William’s developed a reputation as the spiritual home of the sport, offering some of the best and most gruelling courses in the world.

“The Nissan UCI Fort William World Cup is much more than a top sporting event – it’s also a great weekend away for anyone who wants to get a piece of the action and enjoy the thrill and buzz of the sport in a spectacular location. With plenty of global stars, incredible biking action and lots more to see and do, it promises to be to be an unmissable event.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, added: “Scotland is one of the world’s leading destinations for mountain biking which is itself one of the world’s fastest growing sports.  The Mountain Bike World Cup at Fort William forms an integral part of Scotland’s mountain biking portfolio and showcases the nation’s exemplary credentials in hosting major world class events in areas of outstanding natural beauty.  Each year this event evolves and grows with its audience and this year is no exception with the addition of the XC Sprint event and the World Cup Bike Test.  We look forward to yet another fantastic world class event.”

Dr Michael Foxley, Leader of The Highland Council, said: “The return of the Mountain Bike World Cup to Lochaber shows that this area of the Highlands offers outstanding facilities for major outdoor events. We are delighted to work with the organisers to make sure the Highlands benefits from the increased number of visitors during the period of the event, as well as showcasing our spectacular scenery to many more through the national and international media coverage the World Cup will attract.  I am particularly pleased that the organisers have now identified ways to promote our Gaelic Language and Culture at this event.”

Robert Muir, Area Manager for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “The Mountain Bike World Cup 2009 could benefit the Lochaber economy to the tune of over £1m. The event truly has international appeal - the economic benefits are well recognised and have firmly placed the Highlands and Scotland on the world map for mountain biking, with many people visiting here for the first time in their lives.”

With up to 20,000 fans expected to flock to this year’s event, spectators are urged to buy their tickets early either via http://www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk or by calling 01397 705 825 between 9am-5pm.

A weekend adult pass is £32.00, 6-17 year olds pay £16.00 and children aged under six go free. Single day passes and family tickets are also available. Please visit http://www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk for full details.

-ENDS-

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