There’s less than a month before the world’s greatest cyclists and para-cyclists head to Scotland for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. More than 8,000 athletes from 120 countries will compete over 13 existing UCI Cycling World Championships in the biggest cycling event ever. Nevis Range is one of the rawest, beautiful and eye-catching venues on the roster and will host the fastest downhill mountain-bikers on the planet…
Legendary status
The Nevis Range mountain resort in Fort William is legendary in the world of mountain biking. In 2002, a collective of enthusiasts secured Fort William a downhill round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and it immediately edged toward iconic status thanks to Chris Kovarik’s race-winning effort in tough, wet conditions. His 14-second win was one of the biggest winning margins in downhill history.
Since then, the Nevis Range has hosted downhill rounds of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup almost every year, with winners including home heroes Tracy Moseley and Steve Peat plus multiple UCI World Champion Greg Minnaar, who holds the record for Fort William victories at seven.
Now, new legends will be made from Thursday 3 August to Sunday 5 August with the Junior and Elite competition.
On Thursday 3 August, doors open at 16.30 for the Women Junior then Men Junior qualifying. The best of both categories will compete in the Junior finals on Friday 4 August after Women Elite and Men Elite qualifying. Then on Sunday 5 August, the best Women Elite will battle for gold followed by the Men Elite.
What will the riders face? One of the most mentally and technically challenging courses around that reaches out to 2.82km long and plummets 555m with every nook, cranny and rock potentially ending a rider’s ride early.
The best, most fearless riders will reach speeds of up to 80km/hr with the qualifiers determining where the riders line up for the final. Come the finals, the fastest qualifier will start last, ensuring they know exactly what needs to be done in their final run.
Favourites for gold
But who will join the pantheons of Fort William legends and win the coveted rainbow jersey? Well, the home nation might have something to shout about in the form of two riders who are at the opposite ends of the career spectrum. In the opening round of the 2023 UCI Downhill World Cup in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, teenager Jordan Williams, used to success in the Junior ranks, surprised many by winning his Elite debut at the UCI World Cup.
At the same meet, 35-year-old Rachel Atherton won the 40th UCI World Cup of her career, making her one of the most successful female downhill racers in history. She’s also a five-time UCI World Champion. Can she make it number six in Scotland?
Other male riders to look out for if they make it to Fort William include Austria’s Andreas Kolb and Canada’s Jackson Goldstone who won the Leogang (Austria) and Val di Sole (Italy) rounds of the 2023 UCI World Cup, respectively, plus France’s Loïc Bruni who, like Atherton, will be seeking his sixth Elite UCI World title after winning his fifth in front of a home crowd in Les Gets last year.
On the women’s side, Austria’s Valentina Höll will arguably be the one to beat after last year adding the Women Elite rainbow jersey to her two Junior UCI World titles. The 21-year-old also won the last two rounds of the UCI World Cup in Leogang and Val di Sole. Still, she won’t have it easy in Fort William as she’ll be pushed all the way by Switzerland’s Camille Balanche, who’s finished second three times in the UCI World Cup this season. The 33-year-old will be hunting for her second rainbow jersey after becoming the first Swiss rider to win the downhill title in 2020.
Not just for the downhill racers
The racing’s going to be exhilarating. But what if you’re spectating and are staying in Nevis Range before and after the competition? Well, if you’re a hiker, you must take on Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain at 1,345m. Just remember to be prepared, ensuring you have proper navigational gear and ideally consult a local guide.
The area’s also known for stargazing with the wilderness area around Fort William providing a dark canopy above to sit back and gaze at the universe. There are many kilometres of meandering forest routes and canal paths to enjoy a more serene ride than the downhill posse, too.
All in all, whether you’re racing, watching or enjoying the local attractions, time spent in the stunning Nevis Range will live long in the memory.