Excitement is building in Lochaber – the Outdoor Capital of the UK - as the area transforms into the mountain bike capital of the world for the rest of the month of June.

On June 8-9, 2013 one of the UK’s largest and best outdoor events – the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup – descend on Fort William. Welcoming the best mountain bike riders on the planet, this year’s World Cup will be extra special as it is also the opening event of the 2013 Downhill World Cup season.

Popular with riders and spectators alike – mostly due to the downhill course being littered with crowd-pleasing jumps that whip the 20,000-strong crowd into a frenzy – the Fort William stage of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup has been voted ‘Best stage’ no fewer than eight times in its 11 year history.

It’s not all about the professional riders, however. There are numerous opportunities to give it a go, get involved and discover your own natural biking talent! Lochaber is a mecca for mountain bikers and cyclists. With exciting single track trails, world class downhill, miles of gentle forest routes, flat canal paths, an abundance of wilderness routes to discover and quiet Highland roads, the area is perfect for all types of mountain bike and cycling holidays and also has a number of events letting visitors have a go.

Outdoor Capital partner, event organiser No Fuss, is running The Blue Grass International Enduro, the third leg of the series with others taking place in Sicily, France and Ireland.  The Fort William Fat Tyre Weekend follows on June 28-30 and is Scotland’s biggest mountain biking participation event highlighting the Outdoor Capital’s unique, vibrant culture and awesome trails.

On June 29 the 10 Under the Ben event sees brave individuals or teams compete in a ten hour endurance race in the shadow of Ben Nevis while the real thrill-seekers take part in the Endurance Downhill. The day is rounded off with prizegiving and parties. June 30 sees the timed Enduro, Enduro! event.

Riders of all abilities are invited to participate in all events.

For more information on mountain bike and cycling holidays in the Outdoor Capital please visit: http://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/naturaltalent

ENDS

For further information or hi res imagery please contact Angharad Gronbach at View Marketing on 01463 470990 or e-mail Angharad@viewmarketing.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

* Where is the Outdoor Capital of the UK? Fort William and Lochaber – the Outdoor Capital of the UK – is located in the picturesque western Scottish Highlands. A 90-minute drive from Inverness Airport and two and half hours drive from Glasgow, Fort William is also served by regular rail services from Glasgow and a sleeper service from London Euston.

* The Outdoor Capital of the UK - Natural Talent project has received £25,000 funding from the VisitScotland Growth Fund.

* The VisitScotland Growth Fund is a £1 million fund available for well researched, new, collaborative marketing projects from groups of tourism businesses that have a strong customer focus and that operate at local, regional or national level.

* The funds awarded to the Outdoor Capital of the UK are being used to fund a Spring marketing campaign encouraging visitors to Celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland by visiting Lochaber and trying one of a host of exciting natural experiences.