Mountain bike World Cup event 'will go ahead' in Yorkshire

After volcanic dust caused disruption to air travel across Europe, and some UK airports re-opened on Tuesday, a second volcanic ash cloud led to uncertainty about when flights would return to normal.

British Cycling issued a statement earlier this week saying that the event would still go ahead as a full point-scoring round for the overall World Cup standings, and urged competitors to "make every effort" to make the start of the event, on Friday evening.

Many European riders are still unable to get flights across to the UK, with a number still stuck in California after last week's Sea Otter Classic in Monterey. One of those teams still stranded on America's west coast, Team Specialized, are living on British time in order to negate any possible jet-lag.

Organisers have struck a deal with P&O Ferries, in an attempt to ensure their arrival before Friday evening's 'Pro Sprint Eliminator' kicks off the weekend.

Hosted in Pickering town centre, the 1km 'Pro Sprint Eliminator' will challenge riders in a variety of settings – including a resident's back garden and Pickering cemetery. Officials then promise some of "Yorkshire's household names" in a celebrity race, before the official opening ceremony for the World Cup – which will encompass Morris dancers, a brass band and children's face painting.

"I can't wait for the Dalby World Cup weekend," Sheffield's Steve Peat, the 2009 Downhill Mountain Bike World Champion and most successful downhill mountain biker ever, said.

"It's great to have some of the world's best cross-country guys race on my doorstep, and the Pro Sprint Eliminator is a fantastic warm-up for spectators and riders ahead of the elite racing on Sunday."

As well as providing entertainment for the watching crowd, British Cycling officials also aim to use the World Cup stage to encourage more people to take up cycling – in order to achieve their goal of getting a million more people cycling by 2013.

"We are really excited about the plans we have in place for the weekend," Jonny Clay, British Cycling's Cycle Sport and Membership Director, said.

"The World Cup is intended to be thrilling and entertaining, but is only one aspect of what will be an inspirational few days for those who make the journey to Yorkshire.

"Elite racing and events such as the Dalby Dare and Pro Sprint Eliminator will not only provide entertainment but hopefully help us encourage more people of all ages to cycle more themselves, whether for fun, fitness or transport.

"By staging elite level events such as this World Cup and developing world-class facilities such as the Dalby Forest course, we are providing future generations of cyclists in Britain with opportunities to compete for international glory at World and Olympic level on home turf."