This weekend was a massive event for British mountain biking in several ways.

The first ever British DH and 4 Cross World Cup events at Fort William in Scotland proved to be a massive success. The universally praised course combined with typical Scottish weather to provide a real challenge even for the world’s best riders, with several favourites crashing out of contention on practice and timed runs alike.

However despite crashing on her final run and ripping her front fender off, Tracy Moseley of Team Kona is the current Tissot World Cup Series Leader after taking the win on board her Kona Stab Primo. Tracy finished nearly six seconds ahead of Vanessa Quinn and Sabrina Jonnier, despite a big crash in qualifying which started her off mid-field, she said;

“The noise from the crowd was absolutely incredible – I always wanted to race like this in Britain, and to win my first world cup here is brilliant.”

Fionn Griffiths (GBR, Ancillotti UK), finished 4th ahead of Missy Giove who flatted within seconds of her start. Helen Gaskell finished 9th, while normally dominant Anne-Caroline Chausson (FRA, Volvo-Cannondale) crashed in both her qualifier and final, eventually finishing 19th.

Australain Chris Kovarik had arrived in Britain early to compete at Innerleithen the previous weekend, and the practice obviously paid off. He took his second World Cup victory an astonishing 14 seconds ahead of joint second-place riders Cedric Gracia (FRA, Volvo-Cannondale) and Nathan Rennie (AUS, Yeti/Pearl Izumi).

Steve Peat had qualified fastest but had two enormous crashes which left him with no saddle, smashed goggles and damaged brakes in 17th place. Other top contender Nico Vouilloz also ended up in a ditch, knocking him back to fourth place. Nigel Page was the fastest of the British home contingent in tenth spot, while Dan Atherton took 15th.

The French did considerably better in the 4-Cross (quad slalom) event. Cedric Gracia took the final ahead of Wade Bootes, Brian Lopes and Steve Peat with BMX Champion Dale Holmes taking 6th in the semi finals. Anne Caroline Chausson completed a double whammy for Cannondale and France by winning the women’s 4-Cross, ahead of a full French podium of Sabrina Jonnier and Celine Gros.

For full details and results see the UCI website