Not content to win the Singletrack Reader Award for ‘Best Event’ this year, the iconic Fort Bill has been voted the best World Cup downhill event by the UCI.
The Scottish racing hub has been a staple fixture in the UCI MTB Downhill World Cup for 15 years.
Earlier this year, 22,000 screaming fans witnessed wins for Brit Rachel Atherton and South African Greg Minnaar.
Here’s what the UCI had to say about the iconic event:
“This legendary spot in the Scottish Highlands wins the ‘best event’ vote for 2016. Also host of the 2007 UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships, Fort William organised a World Cup stopover for the 15th time this year.
Several times winner of the ‘best event’ award, the Scottish destination again won over the voters thanks to its course, large crowds, unique atmosphere, watertight organisation and team facilities: in summary, a fantastic promotion for the discipline.“
A record number of fans were in attendance at the Fort William leg of the Downhill World Cup earlier this year, and quite right too: It was Steve Peat’s farewell to racing and we were there covering various bits of it, which you can see at these links:
Fort William World Cup 2016 – Track Walk
Fort William World Cup 2016: Brits, Aussies, Peaty, Stevie and Scorchio!
Fort William 2016 Gallery
Fort William 2016 – In the pits
The Dogs of Downhill – Fort William 2016
Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, was declared the winner in the Cross-country (Olympic) category.
Here is what the UCI had to say:
“Since its first involvement with the UCI World Cup in 1991, the Canadian resort has become a not-to-be-missed feature on the calendar.
“Hosting its 26th UCI event this year, this classic rendezvous was voted best XCO event thanks to its excellent organisation and ever-popular course that every year boasts innovations.”
The two winners will receive their trophies at the mountain bike organisers’ seminar in December.
For more info and all UCI World Cup event wins click here.