Qualifying - WC#6 - Val d'Isere -

downhill247com wc12 6 VIEW 640 — What a view! The track at Val d'Isere makes its way down into the valley below. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

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.

downhill247com wc12 6 4 1 640 — We wish Tracey Hannah all the best in her recovery, this is a devastating blow for her and the whole Australian downhill community so close to the World Championships. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

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.

downhill247com wc12 6 34 1 640 — The fastest Aussie qualifer, Connor Fearon, in 32nd place. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

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.

downhill247com wc12 6 6 1 640 — 75th for Sam Hill, the tight, off camber single track caused plenty of headaches for the riders. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

downhill247com wc12 6 SC 640 — You can bet the riders don't have time to check out the view, all their concentration is required for this track. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

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

downhill247com wc12 6 7 640 — A tough day at the office for the Hannah family, a crash for Mic saw him snap his handlebars, expect them to bounce back though. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

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!

Qualifying – WC#6 – Val d’Isere

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