The Scottish Highlands show airs Sunday on Red Bull TV.
Source: press release - Giulia De Maio
Almost a month and a half after the opening round in Lošinj, the Mercedes-Benz UCI MTB World Cup is once again featuring the tightrope walkers of the Downhill. This weekend the second act of the challenge between the best downhill skiers in the world takes place in Scotland. Everything is ready in Fort William for one of the most important races on the calendar. The formula remains unchanged from past editions, with the same brutal 2,8km downhill winding its way from the Aonach Mòr launch pad and onto the hill below in the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
The top is notoriously fast and exposed; the wind can greatly affect the ride. The rocks are large and treacherous, but by now the riders know by heart where they are located. The middle section, especially the one in the woods, is where a run can go from fast to winning. The lower section is super fast due to the lines and the noise of the final arena that "pushes" the best downhillers in the world to the finish.
In Croatia they started the season by winning Myriam Nicole and Aaron Gwin, champions of the 2017 Cup. This weekend the Frenchwoman will have to contend in particular with the English Rachel Atherton who has already toasted three times here and a few weeks ago conquered the final standings of the British Downhill Series. A year ago, in the trials of this course, he broke his record of 15 consecutive successes in the Cup and had to say goodbye to the 2017 title hunt due to a bad injury, he will be hungry for revenge. Also watch out for Tracey Hannah, who won in Fort William last season with a 10″ margin over Nicole.
In the men's field we will unfortunately not be able to admire the South African Greg Minnaar who has dominated at Fort William no less than 7 times, and last weekend he fractured his arm, falling in training. The American Gwin has the great opportunity to conquer the descent that hasn't seen him triumph since 2012 and stretch in the general classification. In Croatia on the podium with him were his young compatriots Luca Shaw and Dakotah Norton.
Red Bull TV and RedBull.com will broadcast the Mercedes-Benz UCI DH World Cup live from Fort William on Sunday 3 June. The live of the women's race starts at 13.30, that of the men's race at 15.00. Stay tuned!
