The Fort William Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup returns to the Scottish Highlands in 2012 on June 9 and 10.

Fort William’s downhill circuit on the slopes of Aonach Mor is among the most feared on the World Cup circuit, descending 525m in 2.6km.

There is likely to be a collection of seven current and former British world champions competing in 2012, including 22-year-old Danny Hart, who produced an astonishing run to claim the 2011 men’s title in Champéry. Check out the video here.

The gladiatorial 4X is a head-to-head knock-out competition on a short course with huge jumps, berms and the notorious Rock Garden. Four riders start each heat and the first two finishers progress to the next round.

This year’s World Cup was voted as one of best events of 2011 by the UCI but, as 4X is no longer a World Cup discipline, Fort William will play host to a round of the brand new 4X World Series tour, which will also take in a number of World Cup venues (Val di Sole and Houffalize) and established 4X races in Poland plus other venues to be confirmed.

An early bird ticket offer allows fans to secure 2012 tickets at 2011 prices up to December 31. Head to www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk