Nevis Range, near Fort William are to get a new intermediate (red-graded) downhill track which will provide developing downhill riders and enthusiasts with the perfect training facility before heading onto the existing black graded trail.

Many mountain bikers will be familiar (either from a riding or spectating point of view) with the challenging downhill track at Nevis Range which has been used for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cups since 2002 and was revised and upgraded for the 2007 Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships. This track is often cited by professional riders as one of the toughest and best on the World Cup circuit.

Funding partners sportscotland, Highlands & Island Enterprise, Nevis Range, West Highland Wheelers, Forestry Commission Scotland and Lochaber - The Outdoor Capital of the UK have agreed to support the build which commences later in July with completion expected some time in 2009.

Accessible by gondola (so no tiring uphill) the new track will also be aimed at leisure mountain bikers, holidaying riders and family groups in order to make mountain biking of this nature more accessible and will feature stopping places and view points to allow riders to rest and admire the views.

Further information is available at the Nevis Range website.