Steveb
May 29-2006, 09:11 AM
Article from www.bikeforall.net
This weekend's UCI Mountain Bike World Cup was a money-spinner for Fort William, saw three British women in the top four in the downhill event, and was great PR for mountain biking in Scotland, said the Scottish Forestry Minister
"This weekend's event is being televised throughout the world, boosting Scotland's reputation as one of the best places to go biking. It is no wonder that Scotland was recently awarded 'Global Superstar' status by the International Mountain Bicycling Association," said Scottish Forestry Minister Rhona Brankin.
"The Mountain Bike World Cup is a fantastic event for the area, and as a result of its continued success, the Highlands are now firmly on the world mountain biking map too. The publicity and visitors flocking to the Fort William area are a huge boost for the local economy and bring added business all the year round."
During the visit, the minister viewed the new, short skills trails that have been built to allow riders of all abilities to practise their bike-handling techniques before heading off into the bigger trail network found in Leanachan Forest.
"Mountain biking doesn't need to be for the super fit, and anyone can join in the fun," said Ms Brankin, who visited the venue for the Mountain Bike World Cup near Fort William on Sunday.
"Forestry Commission Scotland has been driving forward many new biking developments across the country, allowing more people to give it a go. The new set of skills trails offers the chance for those new to mountain biking an opportunity to get a taster of this exciting sport and healthy activity."
18,000 mountain bike fans descended on Fort William over the weekend.
This weekend's UCI Mountain Bike World Cup was a money-spinner for Fort William, saw three British women in the top four in the downhill event, and was great PR for mountain biking in Scotland, said the Scottish Forestry Minister
"This weekend's event is being televised throughout the world, boosting Scotland's reputation as one of the best places to go biking. It is no wonder that Scotland was recently awarded 'Global Superstar' status by the International Mountain Bicycling Association," said Scottish Forestry Minister Rhona Brankin.
"The Mountain Bike World Cup is a fantastic event for the area, and as a result of its continued success, the Highlands are now firmly on the world mountain biking map too. The publicity and visitors flocking to the Fort William area are a huge boost for the local economy and bring added business all the year round."
During the visit, the minister viewed the new, short skills trails that have been built to allow riders of all abilities to practise their bike-handling techniques before heading off into the bigger trail network found in Leanachan Forest.
"Mountain biking doesn't need to be for the super fit, and anyone can join in the fun," said Ms Brankin, who visited the venue for the Mountain Bike World Cup near Fort William on Sunday.
"Forestry Commission Scotland has been driving forward many new biking developments across the country, allowing more people to give it a go. The new set of skills trails offers the chance for those new to mountain biking an opportunity to get a taster of this exciting sport and healthy activity."
18,000 mountain bike fans descended on Fort William over the weekend.