Today saw the sun over a rain free Leogang, leaving the track dry and loose for qualifying. The ‘B’ group riders had morning practice to themselves before moving over for the ‘A’ group riders, so many of the B group practiced on a track still moist form the overnight dew, having a much more tacky effect, but also a little more slippery, leaving them slightly more reserved when it came to all out speed. As the A group riders began to transition to practice we noticed the speed start to increase, not only as the higher ranked riders flowed down the hill but also as the track dried and became quicker.
There was a surprisingly noticeable speed different between riders speed, with each rider seeming to have a part of the track they enjoyed the most and was able to open up. There were some very interesting lines through the wood sections, we wonder if the lines were creative to counteract any rain that may be on the way, or if they were to avoid some of the ruts now forming.
Qualis began with a monster field, 72 Junior Men, 38 Women and 237 Elite Men. The juniors looked tentative through the woods, being the B group, the last time they saw the track it was still moist, they appeared to be expecting it to still be a bit moist, taking it easy over the roots and covered areas. With the Juniors finished the women began to flow down the track, with Manon Carpenter looking right at home, likely riding the confidence from an absolute stellar season, we watched Tracey Hannah come through the roots, taking it all in her stride, in a section very similar to the Bright track where she took national champs out.
The men then started to flow down, with the top rated coming down first in qualification the speed difference is astounding, the top men attacking the roots and steep parts of the track with an intensity not seen in any other category.
With all the riders down the hill the qualification is as follows:
Junior Men:
1. Luca Shaw
2. Loris Vergier
3. Alex Marix Trillo
4. Adrien Dailly
5. Amaury Pierron
Elite Women:
1. Manon Carpenter
2. Emmeline Ragot
3. Rachel Atherton
4. Myriam Nicole
5. Tahnee Seagrave
Elite Men:
1. Loic Bruni
2. Aaron Gwin
3. Josh Bryceland
4. Andrew Neethling
5. Steve Smith
Images: Jason Stevens Photography (@jasonstevensphotography or on Facebook)
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