The event brings a financial boost to the area

The events are being held on slopes close to the Highland town.

This is the 11th in a series of races which have taken place across Europe, the US, Canada and South America.

The opening ceremony was held on Friday night and the best riders in the world are among 450 competitors taking part in events over the weekend.

The three main disciplines are downhill, cross-country and four-cross biking, with events also organised for enthusiasts.

Explaining the four-cross event, organiser Lesley Beck said: "That's four people riding head-to-head at the same time, side-by-side down a course.

"It's a short course, about 30 to 35 seconds and it has huge bank turns and also massive jumps.

Outdoor capital

"So you can imagine to get to the finish first is really exciting. They jump really high and quite often there are collisions and big spills."

Competitor Stu Thomson said: "I love racing here, it's my favourite race of the year. Local people tend to know all the riders, it's not like when you race abroad."

The event is expected to attract about 17,000 to 18,000 spectators, bringing in £2m to the local economy and underlining Lochaber's boast to be the outdoor capital of the UK.

Mountain biking in all its forms is one of the fastest-growing sports.