About 580 elite riders took part in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Fort William

Riera Fullana was a competitor in the woman's cross country

The course challenged riders' endurance as well as their skill and courage

The rain made the race particularly gruelling

Competitors said the race was very technical and fast

Julien Absalon won the men's cross country race

A slightly cleaner Julien celebrated his success

Maja Wloszczowska tackled the course in Leanachan Forest

World class trials rider Martyn Ashton demonstrated some bike tricks

Karl Markt was one of the elite competitors who braved the cold and rain