World Cup 3 - Andorra - Qualifying -

Qualifying here in Andorra has produced a mix bag of results to say the least!

Big news out of the qualifying session is Sam Hill sits atop of the time sheet, a mere 0.046 seconds ahead of Greg Minnaar but in front none the less, as Sam said he must really like this track! A few quick Frenchmen Loic Bruni and Remi Thirion close out the top 5. Remi had all sorts of data acquisition equipment strapped onto his bike throughout the day – maybe that is what gave him an edge on most of the other riders?

Back on a track that suits his style and back on top, a huge confidence boost for Sam Hill who is chasing his first World Cup victory in a few seasons - a drought by his standards. — Back on a track that suits his style and back on top, a huge confidence boost for Sam Hill who is chasing his first World Cup victory in a few seasons – a drought by his standards.

A few noticeable results were Brook MacDonald with a DNF, rumour is he is nursing a shoulder injury and has been taking it easy all week. David McMillan qualified for the big show on Sunday in 74th place.

Elite Men:

1. HILL Sam 4:20.660

2. MINNAAR Greg 4:20.706 + 0.046

3. ATHERTON Gee 4:22.004 + 1.344

4. BRUNI Loic 4:23.544 + 2.884

5. THIRION RA�mi 4:23.758 + 3.098

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11. HANNAH Michael 4:27.063 + 6.403

17. BROSNAN Troy 4:30.794 + 10.134

22. DELFS Mitchell 4:31.704 + 11.044

56. MOIR Jack 4:41.891 + 21.231

63. FEARON Connor 4:45.119 + 24.459

74. McMILLAN David 4:47.509 + 26.849

106. ATKINSON Bryn 4:55.304 + 34.644

115. VEJVODA Joe 4:59.218 + 38.558

Remi Thirion taking care of business for 5th place.

A not so good day for Bryn Atkinson who missed the cut and isn't a protected rider. — A not so good day for Bryn Atkinson who missed the cut and isn’t a protected rider.

Junior Men and a depleted Australian contingent as the majority of the juniors are watching from home. Luke Ellison was the highest Aussie in 7th place and Dean Lucas way down the order in 47th but he qualifies anyway so the result that counts is still to come!

Manon Carpenter was the quickest female on the hill, edging out the dominating Rachel Atherton, will Manon take her first World Cup victory on Sunday?

What a shot! Mic Hannah laying waste to a corner in true Sic Mic style.

Connor Fearon is hungry for some more good results, looking good in practice don't put a top 20 past him, easy. — Connor Fearon is hungry for some more good results, looking good in practice don’t put a top 20 past him, easy.

The riders who qualified for the main show now have a few more practice sessions to get their lines dialed, will the weather play a part in the race? We will just have to wait and see, check back soon!

Images: Phunkt