The world’s top mountain biking stars wowed huge crowds gathered at the Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup today (Sunday 6 June) as they plummeted down the slopes of Aonach Mor in the thrilling downhill finals.

Gee Atherton took top podium place in the Men’s Downhill following a tremendous show of power and control down the course.

France’s Sabrina Jonnier won the Women’s race, pushing Gee’s sister Rachel into 2nd.

Starting high on the upper slopes of the mountain, riders dropped 555m down the 2.8km boulder-strewn course, cheered on by thousands of spectators, to finish at the bottom gondola station at the Nevis Range.

Gee’s win marks his first at Fort William. Celebrating, he said: “I’m the most excited I’ve ever been about winning an event. It’s been a massive goal of mine and it’s an amazing catapult into the season for me.”

Speaking after her win today, Sabrina said: “This is my second victory at Fort William. It’s awesome to win here in front of the crowds – they’re amazing.”

Rachel Atherton said she was disappointed but enjoyed the course: “I qualified fast but that meant there was lots of pressure for the final. I really enjoy racing here – the track was rad!”

Scottish rider Ben Cathro made it into the final 20, ranking 18th despite problems with his chain during the race.

More than 18,000 spectators at the World Cup basked in the sunshine over the weekend, consuming more than 1,500 litres of water and 1,500 burgers.

MEN’S DOWNHILL FINAL RESULTS

1.       Gee Atherton GBR (4:35.70)

2.       Cameron Cole NZL (4:36.18)

3.       Greg Minnaar (4:36.91)

4.       Aaron Gwin USA  (4:37.71)

5.       Michael Hannah (4:37.75)

WOMEN’S DOWNHILL FINAL RESULTS

1.       Sabrina Jonnier FRA (5:11.57)

2.       Rachel Atherton GBR (5:12.68)

3.       Floriane Pugin FRA (5:16.44)

4.       Tracy Moseley GBR (5:16.46)

5.       Emmeline Ragot FRA (5:20.65)