Qualifying - WC#4 - Mont Sainte Anne -

downhill247com 12WC4 5 — The Mont Sainte Anne course is long and is what many riders say a 'proper' race track should be like. Sam Hill came back from injury to win the World Championships' here in 2010 so you know he can perform on this track! Eighth in qualifying. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

World Cup number four and it is time for the North American rounds of the series, this week we are in Canada on the infamous Mont Sainte Anne course. This place is legendary, the track is long, fast and rough. TheA�track itself is 2.83km’s longA�and the average speed for qualifying was 40.38 kmph! It is also the longest running course in the series, with either a World Cup or World Championship being held hear since the early 90’s!

Of big interest for Australians is the majority of the Australian Junior downhill team start their World Champs preparation here. With the full team riding this weekend, along with the fullA�back up of support staff.

downhill247com WC4 108 — Many of the Aussie Junior team have had their first taste of World Cup racing, all in preparation for this years World Championships. Here Dave McMillan qualifies 115th. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

The track here at Mont Sainte Anne is over four minutes long, after qualifying it was one man, Aaron Gwin, again on top of the time sheets.

Senior Men

1. Aaron Gwin 4.12.30

2. Greg Minnaar 4.14.36 + 2.05

3. Danny Hart 4.15.50 + 3.20

4. Brook MacDonald 4.18.70 + 6.40

5. Justin Leov 4.19.30 + 7.00

…

8. Sam Hill 4.20.22 + 7.92

21. Josh Button 4.24.56 + 12.26

28. Connor Fearon 4.26.46 + 14.16

33. Mic Hannah 4.27.58 + 15.28

47. Bryn Atkinson 4.31.21 + 18.91

49. Mitch Delfs 4.31.49 + 19.91

61. Dean Lucas 4.34.44 + 22.14

69. Jack Moir 4.35.99 + 23.69

92. Tom Crimmins 4.41.02 + 28.71

100. Joey Vejvoda 4.42.84 + 30.54

110. Matt Dodd 4.44.88 + 32.59

113. Luke Ellison 4.45.94 + 33.64

115. Dave McMillan 4.47.59 + 35.29

121. Chris Kovarik 4.49.06 + 36.76

133. Jesse Beare 4.57.42 + 45.12

149. Jared Graves 9.16.89 + 5.04.59

One of the biggest ever Australian contingents lined up to race, with mixed results for the sixteen riders. Highlights included Josh Button qualifying 21st, Connor Fearon being the fastest junior in qualifying in 28th, Dean Lucas qualifying after missing out at the previous two World Cups and Jack Moir making the qualifying cut to.

downhill247com WC4 174 — Jack Moir made the top 80, qualifying 69th, a solid result for the Junior rider. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

downhill247com WC4 41 — Connor Fearon fastest junior in qualifying! You know Connor wants a top 30 in finals. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

downhill247com WC4 MD — Mitch Delfs said he struggled with his qualifying run but is looking forward to finals. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

You have to think Stevie Smith will be carrying the wait of the nation as the fastest local rider, he qualified seventh. He was the silver medallist here at the 2010 World Championships to, his success may justA�depend on the condition of his injured hand come finals. If we know anything though, it is that, Stevie is a tough character and will give it everything he has.

downhill247com WC4 4 — Fourth in qualifying is a boost for Tracey Hannah after Fort Williams lack-lustre result. Photo: Jacob Gibbins

There is another day of practice before Sunday’s Finals, don’t forget to check back to downhill247.com for all the news (have you liked downhill247.com on Facebook yet?! An easy way to see when we have posted more result, photos and information!).