Int'l Cycling Union Names Scotland's Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup 'Best In World'

Scotland’s mountain bike racing community "has received a major boost after a Highlands race consolidated its reputation as one of the best in the world," according to the SCOTSMAN. The Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup has been named "the best downhill event" by the Int'l Cycling Union. Organizers said that the accolade highlighted Scotland’s "world-class reputation" as a bike-friendly destination and are "expecting a boost in ticket sales for the event." This year’s event drew more than 20,000 fans, who watched Britain’s Rachel Atherton and South Africa’s Greg Minnaar win the women’s and men’s events. It is the 10th time that the Fort William event has claimed the "prestigious prize." The event is estimated to have injected around £33M ($41.3M) into the regional economy since its inception, "a windfall" that EventScotland Head Stuart Turner said "demonstrates the sport’s growing appeal" (SCOTSMAN, 11/29).