Whichever way you look at it, the 2002 Mountain Bike World Cup at Fort William, Scotland was a huge success. And the UCI clearly impressed, as Fort William will be hosting the World Cup again in 2003.

The 2002 event was the first downhill and 4X World Cup in the UK, and the 2003 event will be a first too – it’s going to be a triple World Cup as cross-country joins the party, the first triple in the UK. The DH and 4X will again be on the slopes of the Nevis Range ski area, while the XCers will race in the surrounding Leanachan Forest.

The inclusion of the XC race will broaden the appeal of the event and should result in even bigger crowds next year. And of course there’s always the chance to see World Cup Champ Steve Peat win on home soil next time around…

You can keep up with developments at the official Fort William World Cup website.