No XC course here yet, but it’s on its way

The organisers of the triple World Cup round at Fort William next year (31 May-1 June) are already hard at work sorting things out. The current focus is on the cross-country course, with a new course being planned in Leanachan Forest adjacent to the Nevis Range. The forest already contains 50km of trails, and the World Cup XC course will by between 7 and 9km long.

Various XC racing, forestry, event management and trailbuilding luminaries recently got together to look at the proposed route for the course, which will take inspiration from other trails around the country to create a course that will challenge the best in the world. It’ll also be designed with spectators in mind, and once the race is over will form the basis of a new set of public trails in Leanachan Forest.

The World Cup is expected to attract huge crowds, and the organisers suggest booking accommodation early. You can book through the new Visit Scotland direct booking system either on the web at www.host.co.uk or www.visitscotland.com, or by phone on 0845 2255 121.

And as if seeing the world’s best mountain bikers in action wasn’t enough of a draw for you, the astronomically-inclined will be delighted to hear that 31 May will see a annular solar eclipse, visible from the Highlands of Scotland. MTB stars and cosmic phenomena in one weekend? It’s got to be worth a trip…