To be honest, if I could have got a piggyback from someone I'd not have said no Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Jumping in to the finishing arena Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Arguably the best seat in the house is right in front of the massive TV screen at the finish area, but there were plenty of dedicated race fans lining the course along its length Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
The sun doesn't come out all that much in Scotland, so when it does, things get tropical pretty quick Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
While Lourdes is undoubtedly the most religious of races, these guys brought a bit of spirituality to Fort William Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Perhaps the most sensible head gear I saw all weekend Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Ola! With no Mexicans on the start list, I'm assuming they just cheered for everyone Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
With the sun bearing down, having one too many wasn't exactly an issue for some… Fortunately, mates wouldn't be mates if they didn't use you for a game of Buckaroo! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
I can't help but think a onesie was a rather sweaty choice for the day Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
The crowd was packed in to the arena, the atmosphere was as good as I've ever experienced at any world cup Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Protection from the rain wasn't needed until after the racing was done and dusted, but the sun's strength meant that many took advantage of their umbrellas Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Everyone wants to get that perfect IG shot Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
This little pug made surprisingly short work of the steep, slippy hillside Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
While many chose the gondola to get higher up, these troopers pedalled — hot work, I'm sure Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Red Bull's Red Bulletin makes for a handy sun hat Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Tesco magazine, leopard skin deckchair, beer and Scotland cap — check. Sun screen and midge spray, apparently not! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Lovely little three-piece band playing some tunes out on the hill — well, it's either that or making as much of a racket as possible! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Even in the open, the midges were out in force Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
The savagery of the midges meant the man behind Ride In Peace Adventures was also hiding behind his midgie net Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Jeans seemed brave on such a hot day — tops off was order of the day though here Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
I hope the happy couple had a magical day! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
The finger points to blue skys and keeps the umbrella at bay, for now Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
This little critter was well camouflaged, but I've no idea how he found himself 1000m up a mountain! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
Plenty of support for riders from over the pond in Ft Bill Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
God forbid you confuse a Canadian with an American Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
There's something about the Scottish Fort William round that sets it out from other world cup races. The course might be a touch old, the midges as brutal as ever, and the weather changeable at best, but time and time again it is the fans that make the race so special.
During Sunday's practice, I took a stroll down the hill to grab some pictures of those out and about, making the most of the sun and the world-class racing Fort William has to offer.
Buckaroo!
With the sun bearing down, having one too many wasn't exactly an issue for some… Fortunately, mates wouldn't be mates if they didn't use you for a game of Buckaroo! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
I'm not sure whether it was the sun, the booze or a combo of both, but this guy seemed pretty oblivious to the towering structure his buddies were building on his very stable head.
It appears beer cups and cardboard pizza plates are the ideal building blocks for a nap time construction.
Noise makers
Lovely little three-piece band playing some tunes out on the hill — well, it's either that or making as much of a racket as possible! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
I've always wondered whether fans making as much noise as possible aids or distracts riders as they fling body and machine down steep, rocky chutes and over jumps as long as a bus.
But, this being downhill, there was plenty of noise being created, which certainly adds to Fort William's legendary atmosphere, so I don't think you'll see many complaining.
Festival feeling
Protection from the rain wasn't needed until after the racing was done and dusted, but the sun's strength meant that many took advantage of their umbrellas Tom Marvin / Immediate Media
The main event was obviously the racing, and with thousands packing in to the finishing arena the atmosphere was incredible. With such good weather throughout the weekend it was awesome to see so many people of all ages out enjoying the sun, and the racing.
Tom Marvin is MBUK’s YouTube presenter and podcaster, as well as a regular contributor to BikeRadar.
He writes mountain bike reviews for the site, while also testing components and kit.
His work as a presenter has seen him race pro riders, tackle World Cup downhill courses and attend international launch events.
He has been part of the MBUK and BikeRadar family for 11 years, contributing to all aspects of tech content, including a spell working heavily on Cycling Plus magazine.
In that time, he has tested hundreds of bikes and more than 1,000 products.
He has been mountain biking for 25 years, with cross-country (XC) and trail riding his speciality, although he’s more than happy dipping into the world of enduro whenever there’s a chance.
Tom’s photos of bikes and food covered in ketchup can be found on his Instagram account.
Height: 182cm
Bike size: Large
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