Borders Bridge awaits the World's Best in the Higlands

A bridge which used to be based at Forestry Commission Scotland's mountain bike centre at Glentress in the Scottish Borders has been involved in a 150 mile journey north as part of preparations being made by the Commission for the 2007 UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships taking place in September. Commission staff based in Lochaber have, over the winter months, been hard at work enhancing the cross-country mountain bike trail at Leanachan Forest, Fort William. Improvement work includes elements that will enhance both spectator and competitor experience and has been conducted by highly skilled, Forestry Commission craftspeople experienced in trail building, civil engineering and mountain biking. The relocation of the timber bridge that used to be located in Glentress has been a core part of the course improvement work. During the bridge's time in the Borders it served no real purpose and was often referred to 'locally' and by mountain bikers as 'the bridge to no-where'. Designed 'in-house' by the Commission's Civil Engineers, it was originally constructed as a demonstration of pioneering bridge design technology, and has been awaiting a proper 'home' for a number of years. In March, work started on moving the bridge to its new Highland home. Made of stress laminated timber, the bridge spans 20 metres and is now located high up on the World Championship cross-country trail. It provides riders with a link over the Allt Daim river and the old puggy line (a historic railway line used in the 40's and 50's to transport material and men required to build the dams for the aluminium shelter on neighbouring land). Now fixed in its permanent and stunning new location, the bridge not only adds a scenic addition to the World Championship cross-country trail but acts as a valuable section of the cross-country course. Sarah MacLennan, Recreation Forester, Lochaber Forest District said: "We've been working hard over the winter months maintaining and enhancing this already challenging course, adding many new features and sections that will appeal to spectators and competitors alike. "The timber bridge is a brilliant addition to the course and is set in very picturesque part of the trail. It will undoubtedly be a key feature of the trail for all who ride it and will be a welcome rest for some at the end of the steep climb at the start of the course. Not that the world's best riders will be stopping to take in the view during the Championship races in September!" Work on the trail in Leanachan Forest will be completed shortly and will be open to anyone wishing to test the trail before the world's best arrive in force for the Championships in September. Amongst the first riders who will be riding the revamped course will be some of Britain's top racers hopeful of competiting in the World Championship events. The racers will be taking part in Scottish cross-country races that will held on the new course on 19 and 20 May. iting in the World Championship events. The racers will be taking part in Scottish cross-country races that will held on the new course on 19 and 20 May. For more information about the trail in Leanachan Forest, Fort William and other Forestry Commission Scotland mountain bike trails in Scotland visit www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbscotland Tickets for the World Championship are on sale now. For ticket information and all the latest news about the 2007 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships visit www.fortwilliamworldchamps.co.uk.co.uk