Bid to keep World Cup until 2012

Competitors from all over the world contested the championships

An international mountain bike competition could be staged in Lochaber until at least 2012.

Events agency EventScotland, the British Cycling Federation and the International Cycling Federation (UCI) are in talks about the World Cup.

The UCI Mountain Bike Championships, a bigger contest, were staged around Fort William last week.

The World Cup has been held in the area on five previous occasions and is confirmed to do so again next year.

Organisers estimate the recent championships drew 40,000 people.

Paul Bush, chief operating officer of EventScotland, said a funding package has been proposed that would see the event through to 2012.

He said: "Cycling is now one of our major sports with the growth in mountain biking, the success of people like Chris Hoy, the new velodrome which is due to be built in Glasgow and the Tour of Britain in Scotland this week.

"The World Cup will be held in Scotland next June and now we are looking to get an agreement from the British Cycling Federation and the UCI."

Mr Bush said talks began with British Cycling at the weekend.