Pretty major news here. Will this be the start of a more permanent foray into the world of big wheels? She’s a multiple World Champ and more than capable of taking the win at Fort Bill.

Here she is wearing a dress while riding a BMX. We don’t think this is what she’ll be wearing or riding come 7 June. Check out the full press release below.

WORLD BMX SENSATION AND OLYMPIC HOPE SHANAZE READE GEARS UP FOR FORT WILLIAM 4-CROSS
– Reade officially enters 2009 Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, presented by Shimano –

Female cycling star and GB Olympic 2012 hopeful Shanaze Reade has officially thrown her hat in the ring to compete in the gruelling 4-Cross (4X) event at the 2009 Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, which is being held in Fort William on the 6 -7th June.

The Fort William 4X will be the first foray into professional mountain biking competition for 20-year-old Shanaze, the current UCI Elite World BMX Champion, as she prepares for a shot at the 4X World Championship title later this year.

The multi-talented cyclist already has world track cycling gold to her name, which she won along with Victoria Pendleton in the women’s team sprint in 2008.

Shanaze, originally from Crewe, is set to appear at the UK leg of the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup alongside around 350 other professional riders from around the globe.
They’ll take to the scenic slopes of Aonach Mor and the Forestry Commission Scotland’s Leanachan Forest for the most gruelling, high-speed events in extreme freesports – Downhill (DHI) and 4X.
The 4X event takes place over a 400m-long course, twisting and turning down into the main finish arena, delivering great gladiatorial battles in the knock-out format, all in front of Fort William’s huge, noisy crowd.
Shanaze will begin the race along with three other riders who battle down a custom built course of berms, jumps, step-ups and other testing features. The two fastest proceed to the next round, knockout style, until the ultimate winner is crowned.

Shanaze says she’s excited about her competitive mountain bike debut: ”I’ve always loved mountain biking but this will be my first real test competitively. I want to prove that I’m versatile and I’m really going for a big year – aiming for BMX and mountain bike titles. I’ve heard great things about the course at Fort William – it’ll be brilliant fun but a major challenge too. Bring it on!”

Mike Jardine from Rare Management, organisers of the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William, adds “Shanaze is a great star and an inspirational competitor, so it’s fantastic news that she’s chosen Fort William to make her 4X World Cup debut. She’ll add to the large group of British contenders in both downhill and 4X so there will be even more reason for bike fans to make the trip to the Highlands this year, to cheer on some home winners.”

The 4X competition will take place on Saturday 6th June at 7pm.

Tickets for the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Fort William are still available at www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk or by calling 01397 705 825 between 9am-5pm. A weekend adult pass is £32.00, 6-17 year olds pay £16.00 and children aged under six go free. Single day passes and family tickets are also available. Please visit the website for full details.
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