ATHERTONS READY FOR SCOTTISH MTB WORLD CUP

With only three days to go until this year?s Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Fort William, confidence is high after Britain?s most talented mountain biking family triumphed in achieving the first ever triple family win in a World Cup competition.

After a successful run in Andorra?s World Cup last week, Rachel (19), Gee (23) and Dan (26) Atherton are gearing up to take on the rugged terrain of the Nevis Range ski area and the Leanachan Forest. Their trio of tremendous wins last week means they will descend on Fort William at the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup on the June 6-8 2008, knowing that they have what it takes to gain their first wins at the celebrated course.

Hoping to continue their recent domination of a World Cup competition, the Athertons' determination means that Rachel and her two brothers are ready for the challenge.

At last week?s World Cup in Andorra, Dan won the 4-Cross World Cup round, while Rachel beat her closest rival by a staggering eight second margin to scoop the women?s downhill race and her brother Gee completed the feat as he emerged as winner of the men?s downhill competition.

Mike Jardine, from event organisers Rare Management, comments; ?The Atherton?s really are promising to be three close contenders to give us a home win at this week?s Nissan UCI World Cup Fort William."

?The family is certainly a powerful force and with their competitive nature, we?re hoping to see more of the same drive and determination at Fort William.?

At 19, Rachel Atherton is the youngest of the three siblings and is also proving that Mountain Biking is not just for the men.

Rachel says; ?I?m just as competitive as my brothers and after losing out on first place at my last race, I was really focussed on winning at Andorra.

?Our achievements have given us all a real buzz and our energy is high for this week?s competition. We?re really looking forward to proving that the Athertons have what it takes to win again at the fantastic but challenging Fort William slopes.?

Rachel Atherton in action

Over 20,000 fans, families and enthusiasts are expected to attend the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup on the June 6-8 2008 to soak up the electric atmosphere, stunning surroundings and action packed adventure of the biggest and most important pre-Olympic mountain bike event at Fort William.

Riders will compete across three disciplines, 4-Cross, cross-country and downhill - each requiring skill, speed and stamina that will test each rider?s technical ability. The Forestry Commission World Championships? course is a spectacular mix of singletrack and wide trail with technical sections, draining climbs and fast flowing downhills.

For more information on the events, tickets, courses and competitors, please visit; www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk.

For accommodation and travel information please contact the visitscotland.com booking service to arrange accommodation as soon as possible. Accommodation Hotline: 0845 2255121