FORT WILLIAM, Scotland (23 degrees) -- At last Friday's IMTTO meeting in Fort William, Scotland, IMTTO Vice President Martin Whiteley surprised Mike Jardine and Lesley Beck of Rare Management, when they were awarded a huge crystal trophy for their 2005 World Cup Event, voted by 62 IMTTO Members as the event of the year. The two were at the meeting to brief the membership on plans for the 2007 Worlds.
Unlike other event awards, IMTTO members vote on all MTB events, not just World Cups. This means every event on the 2005 calendar, regardless of their affiliations, or event style, are considered by the members.
Lesley Beck said "Wow, this is a huge surprise and real honour. We try and do all we can to assist the IMTTO membership and we appreciate all of your feedback. We'll take this trophy to the volunteers meeting tonight and show them that all their hard work has paid off!"
Martin Whiteley said "Fort William was a clear winner in the voting and it's no secret why. They go out of their way to assist our members and put on a consistently impressive bike event. It's the model that all other major events should try to emulate. If you are serious about running a great event, visit Fort William first."
IMTTO membership is made up of international mountain bike teams, technical support companies, and top level organisers. More than 30 events received votes. Here are the top 20:
1. Fort William, Scotland – WC
2. Sea Otter Classic, USA
3. Mont-Ste-Anne, Canada – WC
4. World Championships, Livigno, Italy
5. Houffalize, Belgium – WC
6. Spa Francorchamps, Belgium – WC
7. Camboriu Beach, Brazil – WC
8. Schladming, Austria – WC
9. Crankworx, Canada
10. Swisspower Cup, Bern
11. Mount Snow, USA – NORBA
12. Vigo, Spain – WC
13. Angel Fire, USA – WC
14. Lisbon Downtown, Portugal
15. Madrid, Spain – WC
16. Willingen, Germany – WC
17. Roc d'Azur, France
18. Marathon Worlds, Lillehammer
19. La Bresse, French Cup Finals
20. Swisspower Cup, Reinach
All events that received comments on the voting forms from the membership will now have the comments sent to them to assist them in the future event planning.
