We've got the full lowdown on the 2023 Mountain Bike World Championships in our next issue, on sale on Friday. But here's the essential info you need to enjoy watching the world's best in Scotland this month.
What are the World Champs?
The UCI Mountain Bike World Championships is the biggest event of the year – a series of one-off races in different disciplines where riders put everything on the line in a bid to earn the coveted world champion’s rainbow stripes.
Not only is the racing furious, but there’s tons going on in the pits, too, from custom paintjobs and race kit to special tweaks and prototype parts, all designed to give riders that extra edge.
And this year, we’ve got a front-row seat, because all the racing is taking place in Scotland. Not only that, but for the first time ever the MTB World Champs are combined with the Road, Track and BMX World Champs to form the first ever UCI Cycling World Champs – the biggest bike event of all time!
There’s downhill racing at Fort William’s Nevis Range (not to be confused with the annual round of the World Cup series usually held there), trials riding in Glasgow and a load of different cross-country events in the Tweed Valley. No enduro this time around, though, because it only became an official UCI discipline late last year.
Britain's got some top hopefuls, too, from Tom Pidcock and Evie Richards in the XC to multiple riders including 2023 World Cup winners Rachel Atherton and Jordan Williams in the DH.
What are the different disciplines?
Downhill (DHI): Riders compete to set the fastest time on a tough descent.
Cross-Country Marathon (XCM): Mass-start race over one lap of an undulating long-distance course.
Cross-Country Short Track (XCC): Mass-start race over multiple laps of an undulating short-distance course.
Cross-Country Relay (XCR): Teams of six (one male and one female rider from each of the three age categories – Elite, U23 and Junior) take it in turns to do laps of an undulating middle-distance course.
E-MTB Cross-Country (E-MTB): Mass-start race on electric bikes over multiple laps of an undulating middle-distance course.
Trials: Riders compete to complete marked sections filled with technical obstacles with the fewest ‘dabs’.
Cross-Country Olympic (XCO): Mass-start race over multiple laps of an undulating middle-distance course.
When's it all happening?
Thursday 3 August:
- DHI (downhill) Junior qualis, Nevis Range, Fort William
Friday 4 August:
- DHI Elite qualis, Nevis Range, Fort William
- DHI Junior finals, Nevis Range, Fort William
Saturday 5 August:
- DHI Elite finals, Nevis Range, Fort William
Sunday 6 August:
- XCM (cross-country marathon), Glentress, Tweed Valley
Tuesday 8 August:
- XCC (cross-country short course) qualis, Glentress, Tweed Valley
Wednesday 9 August:
- XCR (cross-country team relay), Glentress, Tweed Valley
- E-MTB (cross-country on electric bikes), Glentress, Tweed Valley
- Trials teams, Glasgow Green
Thursday 10 August:
- XCO (Olympic-distance cross-country) Junior, Glentress, Tweed Valley
- XCC finals, Glentress, Tweed Valley
- Trials Junior men’s & Elite women’s semi-finals, Glasgow Green
Friday 11 August:
- XCO U23, Glentress, Tweed Valley
- Trials Elite men’s semi-finals, Glasgow Green
Saturday 12 August:
- XCO Elite, Glentress, Tweed Valley
- Trials Junior & Elite finals, Glasgow Green
How can I watch it?
BBC Sport have secured full broadcasting rights and are promising “extensive coverage across TV, online and social platforms” of all the different cycling disciplines represented at the championships.
However, there's nothing quite like heading up to Scotland and witnessing the World Champs in person. Most of the MTB events are ticketed, with prices starting from just £10, although the XCM, XCC qualis and trials events are free to watch. To buy tickets, head to www.cyclingworldchamps.com.
What should I take?
1 Sunglasses – eg. Pit Viper The All Star Flip-Offs, £72, www.pitviper.com
You never know, we may see a bit of sun in Scotland! Whether the weather is scorching or you had one too many the night before, the tinted lens (with full UVA/B protection) of these patriotically-coloured sunnies will soothe your eyes. When it clouds over or you start feeling better, simply flip it up!
2 Headwear – eg. Patagonia Maclure hat, £50, https://eu.patagonia.com
Another warm-weather essential. Patagonia always go that extra mile for the planet, making this cap from organic cotton and recycled fishing nets. An adjustable fit ensures it’s a safe bet for most noggins and its casual style is super-versatile.
3 Umbrella – eg. 100% CORPO, £29.99, www.silverfish-uk.com
Let's face it, it's probably going to rain! With a strong fibreglass frame and shaft, a comfy EVA handle and a broad canopy, this brollie should protect you no matter what the Scottish weather throws your way.
4 Waterproofs – eg. 100% Torrent mechanic’s raincoat, £29.95, www.silverfish-uk.com
Stay dry in even one of Fort William’s biblical downpours in this functional EVA jacket, which has welded pockets, an adjustable hood and a popper closure, and is long enough to cover your backside.
5 Camera gear
eg. Apexel 18x 4in 1 smartphone lens kit with tripod, $30.99 (+ shipping), www.shopapexel.com
Capturing racers in full flight is probably best left to the professionals and their fancy lenses, but there's still plenty of opportunity to get some Insta-bangers with your phone or point-and-shoot camera. If you fancy getting creative, this kit includes a wide-angle lens, fisheye lens and 18x zoom, which attach to your phone with plastic clips. You also get a flexible tripod and a remote button, plus the zoom transforms into a monocular for grandstand viewing.
6 Bike T-shirt – eg. Spoke & Solace UCI Stripe tee, £25, https://spokeandsolace.com
Stand out from the Fox and Troy Lee-clothed crowds in the closest thing you’re going to get to a rainbow jersey! This tee is made from pre-shrunk, wrinkle-free organic cotton, with four-way stretch for a super-comfy feel.
7 Sturdy shoes – eg. Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GORE-TEX 2.0, £180, www.adidas.co.uk
A pair of lightweight hiking shoes will offer support for long days on the hill. These have a GORE-TEX membrane to keep your feet dry and a Continental rubber sole for grip. They’re available in 10 colours and sizes up to UK14.5.
8 Comfy socks – eg. Fat Lad at the Back Union Jack Flag cycling socks, £9.99, https://fatladattheback.com
Treat your feet and show your support for Team GB with these patriotic cotton-blend socks. They’ll keep your toes warm and stop the midges biting your ankles while cheering on the Brits.
9 Noise-maker – eg. Halfords Real Chrome bike horn, £7, www.halfords.com
We've seen everything from vuvuzelas to people banging a stick against an old rim, but a retro horn is a classic. With a shiny finish and a hearty parp, you can be part of the celebrations as riders hurtle past at warp-speed!
10 Midge spray – eg. Lifesystems Expedition Sensitive DEET-free insect repellent (100ml), £8.99, www.lifesystems.co.uk
An essential for Scotland in summer. This spray is claimed to repel mosquitoes, midges, horseflies, sand flies, gnats and ticks. It provides protection for up to six hours and is safe to re-apply multiple times.
11 Backpack – eg. Osprey Arcane roll-top pack, £90, www.ospreyeurope.com
You're going to need something to carry all your kit in, along with any swag you pick up in the race village. Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester packcloth, this durable 22l pack is perfect for a day on the mountain/hill-side supporting your favourites. A zipped pocket keeps valuables safe, while there’s ample room for snacks and waterproofs in the main compartment.
12 Booze! – eg. Cans of your choice in a Race Face beer hammock, £19.95, www.silverfish-uk.com
Those who like a tipple will want to keep themselves well-lubricated while screaming at their heroes to go faster. This handy drinks cooler is perfect for slinging over your shoulder, and carries six standard beer cans.
See you in Fort William!