THE sun shone on thousands of mountain bike enthusiasts as a brother and sister duo took the top prizes in what was hailed the most successful Mountain Bike World Cup to date.
Visitors to the award-winning event in Fort William watched as Rachel Atherton won the Women's Downhill Final before her brother Gee Atherton took the top slot in the Men's Final.
Organisers said a record number of visitors of around 20,000 attended the event, which this year was the first meet in the Mountain Bike World Series.
Mike Jardine, of World Cup organisers Rare Management, said: "This weekend has been the best Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup since 2002.
"The fans came in their thousands to enjoy some fantastic racing and the riders delivered, with three British winners out of four titles on offer."
Ms Atherton, from Salisbury, rode to victory 10 seconds ahead of her closest competitor, fellow Briton Manon Carpenter, on the Aonach Mor course.
She then watched as her older brother Gee crossed the finish line one second before New Zealand's Brooke MacDonald.
Having won every other title on the World Cup circuit except Fort William, the 25-year-old said: "To finally do it here at Fort William is amazing and, after trying for so long, it's incredible to share this moment and the podium with Gee."
Swiss rider Noel Niederberger, 17, edged out Britain's Michael Jones to take the Junior Men's title.
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