AS more than 300 riders and 20,000 spectators head for this weekend's UCI Mountain Biking World Cup, it has been announced that two new downhill tracks will be developed at the Nevis Range venue.
The competition, now in its 12th year, attracts mountain bikers from about 25 countries to the slopes of Aonach Mor near Fort William.
The sport has been an important diversification for the Nevis Range skiing operation, helping to sustain it during mild winters over the past decade. The World Cup alone also provides a £2 million boost to the local economy.
Now Nevis Range is set to become an even bigger draw for the mountain biking community, with the investment of £111,629 from sportscotland towards a £229,363 project that will add the new tracks.
Green (beginner) and blue (intermediate) downhill tracks will upgrade the facility, and a jumps and skills area will be developed for training purposes.
Additional grants from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (£40,372) and West Highland Wheelers (£3000) will help to fund the project. Nevis Range Development Company, which operates the site, has strong links with Scottish Cycling, Highland Council, and High Life Highland.
These improvements will help enhance opportunities for young people through sportscotland's Active Schools Network and will also provide a national training and competition facility.
Louise Martin, chairwoman of Sportscotland, said: "We are delighted to be supporting Nevis Range Development Company as it strives to enhance the reputation and accessibility of the site and cement its world cup status. Sportscotland is committed to maximising the opportunities for people of all abilities in our communities to be involved in sport, and this investment shows our commitment to help develop and support a world-class sporting system at all levels, which will also inspire future generations."
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