Qualifying for World Cup number 6 in Val d’Isere took place under bizzare circumstances. After sunny conditions the heavens opened up, rain fell and lightning shut the chairlift down.
Looking through the qualification results there are definitely some different names up at the pointy end of the field. It is good to see Cam Cole is coming back from his horrific injury at the 2011 World Championships and qualified first. Unfortunately though, for Australia, news has come to hand that Tracey Hannah has had a big crash and broken her femur and damaged her shoulder\collarbone.
In fact crashes have been numerous here in Val d’Isere, you have to scroll down to 57th place to see Aaron Gwin’s name, a rare sight to see him even out of the top five! He crashed hard twiceA�and required five stitches in his hand, it appears he will still be racing though, time will tell.
This is theA�first time Australia hasn’t had a top 20 qualifier for some time, one we hope doesn’t happen again anytime soon. Sam Hill was another rider that struggled in qualifying, he flatted and ended up 75th.
1. Cam Cole 2.24.80
2. Josh Bryceland 2.24.90 + 0.10
3. Brook MacDonald 2.25.12 + 0.32
4. Gee Atherton 2.25.29 + 0.49
5. Nick Beer 2.25.98 + 1.18
…
32. Connor Fearon 2.34.27 + 9.47
43. Bryn Atkinson 2.36.32 + 11.52
46. Jared Graves 2.36.63 + 11.83
56. Mitch Delfs 2.38.08 + 13.28
75. Sam Hill 2.41.05 + 16.25
123. Josh Button 2.47.53 + 22.73
210. Mic Hannah 4.04.01 + 1.39.21
After a tough qualifying session expect riders to be out in force for the remaining practice sessions. Check back to downhill247.com for more news soon!
Sending thoughts to the weather Gods to bring sunshine on Sunday.