Organisers of the Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup today unveiled ambitious plans for a brand new programme to ensure the award-winning event continues to be a highlight of the year.

The Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup circus heads to Fort William, Scotland, on 6/7 June and will feature two brand new elements alongside established DH and 4X competitions.

New is the Cross Country Sprint, a fast and exciting short course that will showcase the cream of British biking talent to spectators. Also new for 2009 is the World Cup Bike Test, where fans and enthusiasts can put the latest bikes through their paces on the World Championship XC course in the Leanachan Forest.

Now in its eighth year, the event is expected to attract more than 400 competitors and up to 20,000 spectators, and has been voted best mountain bike event in the world three years running.

“The Nissan UCI Fort William World Cup is much more than a fantastic sporting event," says Rare Management's Mike Jardine, "it's also a great weekend away for anyone who wants to get outdoors and enjoy the thrill and buzz of the sport in a spectacular location.

“We've got another exciting programme of world class competition planned for this year's event, and are looking forward to welcoming back the global superstars of the sport to Scotland. This year there will be two British reigning Downhill World Champions to watch and cheer - the amazing Gee and Rachel Atherton brother and sister pairing who have taken the sport by storm.

"They'll be racing on what is widely regarded as one of the best mountain biking terrains in the world. With plenty of global stars, incredible biking action and lots more to see and do, it promises to be to be an unmissable event.”

Tickets for the event go on sale on the 23 March. You can find out more and book your tickets at www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk.