2009 marks the eighth year of World Cup competition at Fort Bill on the slopes Ben Nevis, in the Scottish Highlands. Riders and spectators enjoyed a dry and dusty event last year. However, it is not possible to repeat the experience due to the unpredictable weather at this most northern World Cup.
Fort William is located just two hours away from Glasgow, the nearest major population centre, and attracts thousands of fans who battle the midgies, small, biting insects that can leave welts that can make the recipient look like they have chickenpox. This year’s midgies are so bad that a cross-country ride was cancelled.
Despite the rain and midge threat, spectators will be out in large numbers. Brits and Scots have plenty to celebrate, with Steve Peat (Santa Cruz Syndicate), leading the men’s downhill standings and Tracy Moseley (Trek World Racing), second in the womens category.
At the moment, both Peat (Maxxis Rocky Mountain) and Sabrina Jonnier (Maxxis Mountain), are on a roll. Both have won the previous two events of their respective series and both hope to increase their lead in Fort William. If he finishes in the top five, it will be Peat’s record fifth podium appearance.
Their victories are not certain. Tracy Moseley, Greg Minnaar, Peats teammate, won at Fort William last season. They are certain to win again. Sam Hill (Monster Energy Specialialized) was the fastest timed trainer on Friday. He is still trying to win the first World Cup victory of the season with his new team. So expect him to be extremely motivated.
The flu epidemic that has plagued the World Cup circuit continues to affect riders. Mick Hannah (GT Bikes), is currently suffering from it. Although it is unlikely that anyone will be forced to miss any performances due to illness, it is possible.
This 2.82 km run is the longest. It requires fitness to pedal the steeper sections at the top and good technique for the more slippery sections. The course is similar to previous editions with some minor changes to the wooded sections. This is to keep the course fresh. Riders report that they are satisfied with the course.
Jared Graves (Yetifox Shox), the men’s series leader, suffered his first loss in the third round of the 4-Cross competition. He will be looking to prove that he is still the best rider on the circuit. After a shoulder injury Dan Atherton (Animal-Commencal), is back in competition and is the local favorite. There have been three women’s winners in three races so the competition is open to all. Anneke Beerten (Suspension Center), round one winner Jill Kintner from the USA, or Britain’s Fionn Griffths of Norco World Team (Britain), who will be the series leader?
Friday night’s Qualifying saw Kintner become the world champion of this course, beating Beerten, Australia’s Caroline Buchanan, and current world champion Melissa Buhl. Round three winner Joost Wicmann won a nine-one-hundredths of a second victory over Roger Rinderknecht, GT Bicycles, and 62-hundredths in front of Graves. Dan Atherton was fourth with just under a second. It will be a close race.
The 4-cross circuit is similar to previous years. There are some changes to the first corner, and natural rock sections have been added to increase speed.
