Nevis on track for new downhill (5/6/08)

On the eve of the 100th World Cup ever ... and the 6th time Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, has hosted the competition, its awesome to hear that funding is in place for the new intermediate downhill at Nevis Range.

Truely a partnership project, the funding partners are SportScotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, West Highland Wheelers, the Forestry Commission, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, and Nevis Range.

A training ground for the champions of tomorrow to develop their skills today, it will open up the incredible experience of cycling down Aonach Mor to a wider range of age and ability levels.  The track will truely entrench Fort William as synonomous with mountain biking and Lochaber as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

After taking the gondola to the top station the riders will make their way to the start of the track at the base of the quad chair.  The track will head left towards Meall Beag and then descend along the ridge into Leanachan Forest at the Puggy line.  If they're up for it ... the riders can then ride the Witch's Trails and the miles of Forestry Commission cross country track in the forest.  Some 2.8k of red graded new track will be constructed, making the length of the new track some 4km, with a drop of 555m as it descends from 655m to 100m.

The track is being designed by Bob MacFarlane and Davie Austin at Nevis Range. Construction is due to commence June 2008 and the course will open in 2009.  We can't wait!  If you want to hear more as the project progresses, then please sign up to our bike email alert at www.nevisrange.co.uk.