WC1 - South Africa - Qualifying -

Back, back again Shady is back tell a friend, actually sorry that should be Gwinny is back! First place in qualifying and sending out a clear message to his rivals.

Well, well, well,who picked that? Results from qualifying here in South Africa are complete and there is definitely a few eye brows being raised in the pits. Aaron Gwin showed everyone he is back finishing some 2.5 seconds ahead of Josh Bryceland, who has been training hard during the off season. Fellow teammate and pre-race favourite Greg Minnaar was in position 3 just 0.1 behind Josh, it was then a Lapierre double with Loic Bruni (how fast is this kid) and Sam Blenkinsop rounding out the top 5.

Conditions in South Africa are warm and dry, as you can see riders are just railing turns with traction no problem.

In 6th place was Australia’s own Troy Brosnan, the next Aussie was Sam Hill in 9th place, a bit of a gap back to Bryn Atkinson in 23rd. Bryn spent some time in the local hospital after a concussion during practice but got the all clear from the quacks to suit up and race, fortunately he did as all the points riders can get for the overall are super valuable. Connor Fearon was a few spots back in 26th place and ready to pull the trigger on Saturday (for this race the finals are on Saturday instead of the usual Sunday). In his first senior men’s world cup Dean Lucas grabbed a super respective 41st. With only a few weeks on his new bike Jack Moir was 52nd, watch out for Jack this year as his speed improves. In their first world cup Green to Gold racing had all their riders qualify, Brent Smith in 62nd and Chris Barlin 74th (their female rider Danielle Beecroft also qualified). The biggest surprise was Mich Hannah in 92nd, having a moment on the track, possibly related to a mechanical but being a protected rider he will still ride finals despite finishing out of the top 80.

Fastest Aussie in quallys was Troy Brosnan in 6th place, he would want to come out of the race with a podium at least... — Fastest Aussie in quallys was Troy Brosnan in 6th place, he would want to come out of the race with a podium at least…

Local Andrew Needling never seems to have the best race at his home track. At least he looks stylish though... We know he wants more than style points though. He is also rocking plate 12 just like junior Aussie Aiden Varley who also happens to be riding a Giant to confuse everyone! — Local Andrew Needling never seems to have the best race at his home track. At least he looks stylish though… We know he wants more than style points though. He is also rocking plate 12 just like junior Aussie Aiden Varley who also happens to be riding a Giant to confuse everyone!

Greg Minnaar booooosssstiinggg! The jumps here are big and riders are clocking close to 70kph. Third in qualifying but you can't argue with his record here. — Greg Minnaar booooosssstiinggg! The jumps here are big and riders are clocking close to 70kph. Third in qualifying but you can’t argue with his record here.

Looking at some of the other results Gee Atherton crashed and tumbled down the results to 15th (see what we did there!). Brendan Fairclough rode his trail bike to 28th and Brook Macdonald crashed finishing 66th.

In the women’s race Manon Carpenter showed she means business, first place by over 9 seconds ahead of Rachel Atherton who had to take her IV drip out to go to the track! Emmeline Ragot was thrid, Tracey Hannah fifth. We saw Danielle Beecroft in 13th at her first senior race. Junior Tegan Molloy was 16th and will give her more confidence as her experience increases.

In 13th place let's hope the 13 turns out to be lucky for Danielle Beecroft. — In 13th place let’s hope the 13 turns out to be lucky for Danielle Beecroft.

Manon Carpenter qualified first and looks like the rider to beat at the first round of the year.

Style check! Marc Beaumont passes with flying colours, scrub-a-dub-dub!

Junior men was taken out by American Luca Shaw, Loris Vergier was second and Taylor Vernon third, these names might not be common place but as the season continues and the years roll on it’s the juniors who will be making inroads tot he senior classes. One name you should recognise in fourth is Aiden Varley! Riding well we would love to see Aiden crack the top 3 this weekend, fingers crossed!

Luca Shaw was the fastest junior with our own Aiden Varley in fourth place yeewww.

Racing will be taking place on Saturday so check back soon for all the action.

Facebook:A�www.facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram: @downhill247