Mountain Bike World Series will not return to Fort William in 2025

Organisers of an international mountain bike competition are not holding a stage at Nevis Range, near Fort William, for the first time in 20 years.

UCI Mountain Bike world cups have been held at the centre since 2002, with the exception of two years when events were postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

Nevis Range, which has also hosted two world championships, said it was deeply disappointed the Fort William World Cup would not be taking place next year.

Organisers said Fort William’s absence from the 2025 calendar will allow other locations to host the event.

Nevis Range is not involved in organising the event, or any negotiations around where stages are held.

EventScotland, Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have provided funding over the years.

Warner Bros has taken over the organising of the world series, and holds the broadcasting rights.

A spokesperson for the UCI Mountain Bike World Series said Fort William would always be an “iconic international mountain biking venue”.

“Its absence from the 2025 calendar does not in any way diminish its importance, but rather reflects the need to make space for other locations also vying to become part of the sport’s rich history,” they added.

“We will always be delighted to see Fort William in future calendars, and we look forward to returning to such an iconic venue.”

The weekend-long events involve about 250 competitors and 21,000 spectators.

This year’s stage was held in May.

Nevis Range said it was exploring new opportunities, including new mountain bike races.

Venues for 2025’s UCI Mountain Bike World Series include Brazil, Italy and USA.

It will be in France and Austria around the time it is usually in Scotland.