Many more riders are expected at the 2007 world championships

Competed on tracks at Aonach Mor, the Nevis Range and Leanachan Forest, it is expected to draw crowds of 17,000 spectators over Saturday and Sunday.

Last year, the competition generated about �1m for the Lochaber economy.

Next year, Fort William is to host the world championships which could attract 40,000 fans.

This is the fifth year the town has been a venue for the world cup. Madrid in Spain and Balneario Camboriu, Brazil, are also hosting the race series.

Mike Jardine from Rare Management, organisers of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events at Fort William, confirmed the record number of entrants.

He added: "This weekend is the final dress rehearsal for the world championships in 2007 so we are aiming higher, larger and louder crowds, more spectacular competition and a full programme of action and entertainment.

Competitors have brought a touch of tartan to previous world cup events

"Trade teams, riders and the media have begun to arrive from all over the world to compete in the next round of this exciting competition.

"The atmosphere is really building. We are definitely guaranteed a storming weekend."

Among the riders taking part will be Norway's Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesja, world champion in the women's cross country event.

She has 25 world cup wins to her name and won an Olympic gold medal in 2004 in Greece.