Yorkshire sets sights on 2010 World Cup

British Cycling, Yorkshire Forward and the Forestry Commission announced late last week their intentions to bring the UCI Cross-Country Mountain Bike World Cup to Yorkshire for the first time. The three organisations are working together on a bid to host a round at the 8,600-acre Dalby Forest, near Pickering, in 2010, 2012 and 2013.

"This bid could not only bring a major international mountain bike event to Dalby Forest, but would also create fantastic new facilities for everyone who enjoys cycling in Yorkshire and Humber," said Yorkshire Forward's Neil Jenkinson, Assistant Director for Culture and Major Events. "This would deliver both significant media coverage and economic benefit for the region and would establish Yorkshire and Humber as one of the leading destinations for cycling."

In addition to its other trailbuliding efforts, the Forestry Commission is developing plans to create a new 6km route in Dalby Forest specifically for the event.

"We are working on a comprehensive bid with our partners which will put Dalby on a global stage as a world class sporting venue," said Alan Eves, Forest Management Director. "We have already created ... 55 kilometres of singletrack trails, and also hosted the final stages of the Yorkshire stage of the Tour of Britain in September. We hope to get a final decision on the World Cup bid by next June, so its fingers crossed."

British Cycling is backing the effort as a way to bring more international events to the United Kingdom.