Worlds: Downhillers ready to take Fort Bill

The 2.82km downhill course of Fort William is one of the most mentally and technically challenging ones there is.

The last time a World Championships was held there in 2007 an Australian won the rainbow stripes, that was Sam Hill.

Only three others have stood on the podium at the iconic Scottish venue, one of them will be racing his 13th World Championships in a few days' time.

Troy Brosnan won a World Cup here in 2014 as well as picking up a bronze and silver in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

“I’m really looking forward to going to Fort William this year for world champs. I have always done well at the track and coming off fourth place at the last World Cup and I feel as ready as ever. I’m ready to fight for the rainbows,” the five-time World Championship medalist said.

The World Championships will be the first race back for current national elite men’s champion Luke Meier-Smith after he broke his collarbone at the opening World Cup round in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.

“It’s always a privilege to represent. Coming back from injury, Fort William isn’t going to be easy but I’m up for the challenge. It’s a track that suits me well so I’m excited and ready to give it my all,” Meier-Smith said.

Jackson Connelly missed his opportunity of racing Juniors at the Worlds due to Covid. He will make his Championship debut in the elite ranks at Glasgow.

“Still doesn’t feel real that I have been selected to represent Australia. It’s a dream come true! No words to describe the feeling.

“I’ve put in so much work to get to where I am and I’m so glad it’s paying off. Fort Bill is a track I’m excited for, a little bit like home and a place I found my best result at last year,” the Victorian said.

For the Australian elite women’s champion, it’s been a long road back to challenge for the rainbow stripes but Sian A’Hern, back racing the World Cup circuit won’t let this opportunity slip by.

“I am so grateful to be part of the Australian World Championship team. We have such a great team of riders this year, in all disciplines, and I think it’s going to be such an exciting race to follow.”

“The last World Championships I raced at was 2019, I am so over the moon to be back racing World Cups and get the chance to get Australia a medal in the Elite women’s downhill. It’s going to be EPIC.”

Lia Ladbrook’s dream is about to come true as one of the five elite Australian women set to tame Fort Bill in coming days.

“Being a first-year Elite rider on such a technically challenging track, I can’t wait to head over to Fort William to represent Australia next to some of the biggest names in mountain biking.

With speeds up to a white-knuckling 80km/h you can understand the nerves for first time junior World Championship athlete Sacha Mills.

“Feeling a little scared but extremely excited for World's.

“It should be an amazing experience and I'm grateful that I can still make it after my injury. The track will be a new challenge for me as we don't have much terrain like Fort William here in Australia, but overall im really looking forward to everything,” the junior women’s national champion said post departure.

Kaele Foale is already over in Europe having raced the opening three World Cups, and he’s determined to improve upon his 39th place from last year in Les Gets, France.

“I'm stoked to be selected to race in the Aussie jersey for the first combined cycling World Champs.

“Fort William is such an iconic venue and I can't wait to go and battle the world’s best racers with the rest of the Australian crew.”

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Main Photo Credit: RedBull Content Pool