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If there is one thing that really stands out from the Worlds (apart form the fact that it is set in the stunning Scottish Highlands) is the respect and excitement that Steve Peat generates amongst the crowds. Peaty fever dominated the entire event.

I would see him signing autographs and giving high fives to the kids in the crowds throughout the event in his normal down to earth style. In the downhill practice run I saw him from the starting line nail the top section at an amazing speed despite his injury. There is no question that this man is fast, strong and technically excels. As you see him corner at amazing speeds he rips the earth right into your face and you can literally taste the grit in your mouth as you watch him pass by.

Clearly although in real pain with his injured foot he rode for Great Britain with true grit. A fall took him down and he rode to the most triumphant and cheering crowd through to the end in real showmanship style.

It wasn't Steve's fight this weekend but no man dominated the scene more nor demonstrated the British determination to play the game and excel come what may. Steve we look forward to your  future medals.

The Scottish Highlands delivered rain, mist and wind for the final, turning the course into a slippery slope of mud and rocks. Despite this Sam Hill defended the title with a ride that was with amazing style and of course speed.  Although a slow qualifying speed (15 seconds below his win) he took the title with  a time of 4m52.01s on the 2820m course to register consecutive world titles. Respect and totally deserved.

Hill beat Fabien Barel of France by just over six-tenths of a second, while Britain's Gee Atherton claimed third giving a Bronze to Britain.

Sabrina Jonnier (Fance) defended her Women's title succesfully and Rachel Atherton took the Silver in the Women's Downhill. On interview you could hear Sabrina say she felt that she was riding in enemy territory. I can say the crowds were cheering for Rachel and Tracey (who unfortunately did poorly due to bike problems) in fever pitch style.

Like Steve and the other British riders Rachel could be seen mingling in the crowds adding to that whole feeling of accessibility that the Worlds had. She really has that girl next door look. But then again how many girls next door do you know that can take a triple and ride like a demon. An amazing female role model. I think I'm developing a crush.

Finally Australia's Tracey Hannah took the bronze in her senior world's debut.

Scot born Ruaridh Cunningham was the last to ride in the mens Juniors and it seemed at that point that the Brits weren't going to take a medal. Then he rode in and stole the title from US John Swanguen who had been getting far too comfortable in the hot seat for the mainly Scottish and British crowds. At this point the crowds went, well they went just ballistic. I hugged lots of strangers I know that.

Likewise  Katy Curd took silver in the Junior women's. The poor girl spent nearly an hour to death sitting in the hot seat freezing to death whilst the two french women behind her had to pause their race due to a red flag event on the course. It was not until the ends of the men Juniors did the two French contenders have their re run opportunity and Katy got to know which medal she would take.

So the real show stealer with the British in the Junior women's and the Junior Men's. 18-year-old Scot Ruaridh Cunningham became the first British man ever to win a world championship downhill title, ahead of John Swanguen (USA) and New Zealand's Matthew Scoles. The junior women's race was won by Floriane Pugin (France), with Britain's Katy Curd second in only her second ever outing at this level. Myriam Nicole (France) was third.

So on home territory we took four Downhill World Championship  medals with us. Gold in the Mens Junior, Silver in the womens Junior, Silver in the Womens Elite and Bronze in the Mens Elite. A day to be proud.

Throughout the whole competition was that feeling of the riders were as accessible on the track (you were always inched from them in action) as well as approachable and friendly in the crowds off the track. I don't think you will get this in football or other big budget sports and I think this is unique to our game and I hope it stays this way.

And the BBC were at Fort William in force this weekend and it is good to see our sport starting to get the decent coverage it deserves. Check out all the highlights here.

Loads more pics in the Public Gallery. Check it out.

Downhill Highlights
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6980000/newsid_6986200? redirect=6986260.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&bbram=1

4X Highlights
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6980000/newsid_6986200? redirect=6986299.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&bbram=1

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