World Cup Round 7, Meribel a�� Qualifying -

This shot was from yesterday and was originally supposed to be in the report but slow internet speeds cut him out. We have been watching him all week and he looks fast, proof came today when he (Francisco Pardal) qualified 4th.

Friday fun day! Well qualifying at least, again we got some great weather here in the alps and riders had morning practice before qualifying started shortly after. We all know how important this race is being the final in the series, as the day went on we were reminded nothing is set in concrete and tomorrow will be make or break!

Keep it pinned! This guy had the right idea.

Marc Beaumont during practice, he matched his number plate and qualified 14th.

It was interesting to see the number of flats during qualifying as there haven’t been that many during practice, riders must be just turning it up that extra notch. Brosnan and Minnaar were two big noticeable flatters, 162nd didn’t help Troy’s overall chances surrendering 40 points to Josh Bryceland who qualified second. Now we have to point out we witnessed Josh Bryceland sprawled out over the ground during qualifying but still managed to come home second….

A flat during qualifying is better than a flat during racing!

Second fastest qualifier Josh Bryceland.

Connor Fearon getting wild and heading for 17th during quallies.

Dean Lucas had a crash yesterday and hurt his wrist, today wasn't his day finishing out of the 80. — Dean Lucas had a crash yesterday and hurt his wrist, today wasn’t his day finishing out of the 80.

Your fastest elite men's qualifier, Matthew Simmonds. — Your fastest elite men’s qualifier, Matthew Simmonds.

Rachel Atherton qualified fastest by less than a second ahead of Manon Carpenter.

Steve Peat on the hunt, never back down!

Aiden Varley back on the bike, he qualified 22nd. Loris Vergier qualified fastest and noticeably looked quicker than the other juniors.

Taylor Vernon qualified third, we know he can pick up a few seconds in racing after seeing him come through the rock garden.

12th for Andrew Crimmins and another rider we know can go faster come racing.

Luca Shaw ended up way down the qualifying list.

Riders were searching for lines everywhere.

Junior Men

1st Loris Vergier
2nd Laurie Greenland
3rd Taylor Vernon
4th Thomas Estaque
5th Ferran Jorba Prats

Elite Women

1st Rachel Atherton
2nd Manon Carpenter
3rd Emmeline Ragot
4th Tracey Hannah
5th Tahnee Seagrave

Elite Men

1st Matthew Simmonds
2nd Josh Bryceland
3rd Loic Bruni
4th Francisco Pardal
5thA�Sam Hill

The afternoon light was typical glorious Euro style!

Innes Graham coming through the rock garden.

Tomorrow is finals for the last World Cup of the year!

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