MTB World Cup Downhill #3 - Fort William 2012

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup returns to one of the modern classics of the Gravity series for round three - Fort William, Scotland. Held in the Highlands, with riders charging down Aonach Mor, the ninth highest mountain in the United Kingdom, this race is one of the longest and hardest of the season.

The 2.8 kilometre run starts above the tree line, descending over 550 metres. Riders don't have much chance to enjoy the panoramic views at the top, as they navigate switchbacks and rock gardens before the long pedaling middle section. The lower portion of the course has received some major upgrades for 2012, with four large jumps - the biggest on the World Cup circuit. The very dry conditions have made the course extremely fast and loose, so riders will have to strike a balance between aggressive, high speed action and maintaining control on the gravel.