IT'S all downhill from here for Ruaridh Cunningham.
Admittedly, it has seemed that way since he first started racing mountain bikes competitively 11 years ago, his passion having manifested itself in a career which has brought the title of Junior World Champion in 2007 as well as the opportunity to hurtle down hills all around the world. The Scot will remain close to home for now, though, with the first World Cup of the season to be held at Fort William on June 8 and 9. "It seems like I've been racing for a while but I still look 17, so I'm doing all right," he said.
Such a casual aside seems befitting for one who is so unfazed by the vagaries of his sport that he spent yesterday morning posing precariously on top of the Bankie's Bike statue in Clydebank to help launch June's tournament, alongside another Scottish hopeful, Greg Williamson. The 4X course was the scene of Cunningham's title triumph six years ago and his affection for the place has only grown since then, even if he cannot expect an easy ride on a track comprising a series of berms, jumps and a section known somewhat ominously as "the Rock Garden".
The 24-year-old free-wheels through the prospect of facing such obstacles but the pace of the conversation soon quickens when he considers the challenge of making it to the bottom first. Fort William's formidable reputation tends to attract the best in the business as well as a swell of biking enthusiasts, and as home favourite, Cunningham can expect raucous backing when he begins his descent.
"I'm about as local as it gets – I'm about three hours south of Fort William," said the Stow-born rider, who will compete as part of the Union Tools Team. "The course has not changed too much in the 10 years I've been racing so I probably know it better than most. Rain or shine I'll be excited to race it. Being Scottish, Fort William is always the most exciting World Cup of the year; being on home turf. This year it is the first World Cup so I think that makes it that bit more exciting. We have had a long off-season and I'm pretty sure everyone will be ready – it will be a tough race but it should be good."
Cunningham has had to go through more arduous preparation than most, since he recently underwent surgery to help overcome a shoulder injury. It is a reminder of the capriciousness of downhill racing that it can deliver thrills and spills in equal measure and Cunningham's career has previously had the brakes applied as a result of a severe knee injury which would continue to afflict him for two years, as well as another shoulder operation. Any scarring would seem to be superficial, though, and he has lost little of his lust for speed.
"When every kid gets on a bike, even from a young age, the thing they like most is going downhill," he said. "I think that has just stuck with me and the better you get at it, the more fun it becomes. I guess it was just a natural thing from my childhood, just charging round on a bike – it went from fun into a career. The risk of injury is just one of those things that are always going to be there. Everyone is riding faster now than ever before but if you let doubts creep into your head and think you might get hurt then you will never be able to ride to your full potential."
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