Fort William World Cup Round Up

Qualifying would set the benchmark on Saturday for what we could expect to see on finals day. Manon Carpenter was looking strong all weekend and road confidently in to first place in elite women in front her home crowed. In Elite men Brendan Fairclough was looking on the pace of his life on a track that had not been kind to him in the past, he would finish in 17th ahead of race day. Troy Brosnan was a name on the tip of a lot of tongues when asked who was the favourite for the win and a 4th placed qualifying time just 2.9 seconds back would prove he was easily in contention come race day.

But all eyes were on one man, Steve Peat, the legend of Fort William and the crowds favourite. 2016 is his last year competing in world cups after a career spanning over 2 decades, however as he was currently sitting outside the top 20 protected riders, he would have to treat qualifying as if it was race day. The steel city hero would prove he still had what it takes coming across the line in 32nd and well inside the top 80 times that would advance to Sunday’s finals. Monster Energies Sam Hill and Mitch Ropelato would also put in strong times qualifying in 23rd and 26th.

With thousands of eager fans lining the course and crowded in to the pits, there is no place like Fort William come race day and the fans delivered once again creating an unbeatable atmosphere.

 Dropping in last on finals day comes with an incredible amount pressure and all eyes were on the Uk’s Manon Carpenter, at just over a second back at split one she was on great pace and in contention for a win but a crash in the woods saw her hurtle off track in to a group of spectators. Gathering her composure and a quick apology to the crowed she got back up to speed and clawed back enough time to finish 3rd and take her place on the podium once again.

As Steve Peat took to the hill the raw from the crowd rattled throughout the mountains cheering his every move, Steve Peat embodies the spirit of Down Hill and the fans witnessed this icon of the sport as he took to the mountain one last time. Many hoped he could take the win in what would be the ultimate result from the weekend but 29th on the day was enough to solidify Peaty as one of the greatest of all time. He was welcomed in to the finish straight by thousands wearing Steve Peat masks and cheering their lungs empty. Although he may not have won on the day he has won the hearts of the mountain bike community around the world.

Brendan Fairclough was surprising many this weekend and looking like he had what it would take to finally make the podium in Scotland. A scrappy mid section of the course saw him slip his pedals and he was not able to make up enough time later in the course, Fairclough would have to settle for 14th on the day but his best result in 3 years on this course.

Sam Hill has won countless times at Fort William before but his race time would see him finish in 21st. Ropelato was only able to muster a 51st on race day leaving it all down to one man, Troy Brosnan. Troy’s top section pace was in contention all weekend long for the win but the tricky woods would see him drop back by split 3. His effortless style and race craft was enough to gain 5th place and a spot on the podium on the day keeping him in contention for the world title.

Before the dust had even settled the pits were being packed down and the trucks on their way to Leogang in Austria for the 4th stage of the UCI World Cup of Downhill taking place just 1 week after Fort William. The Gauntlet has been laid and the world’s best will battle it out once again come Saturday afternoon.