Aaron Gwin blitzed qualifying ahead of the second round of the UCI MTB DH World Cup in Italy. On a very rough Val di Sole course on Saturday, Aaron Gwin and Emmeline Ragot put in some incredibly fast times to put their mark on the competition.
With over 220 men vying for just 80 spots in Sunday’s race - the second UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup event of the season – the competition was fierce. Gwin finished nearly eight seconds faster than second-placed Greg Minnaar, with Marc Beaumont third and Gee Atherton fourth.
American junior Richie Rude rode brilliantly to finish qualifying in 11th, while Brit Berny Kerr was 12th after another great ride. Steve Smith had to sit out qualifying after dislocating a finger in Saturday morning's practice but is hoping to compete in Sunday’s race.
In the battle for places in the women’s race, Emmeline Ragot stormed the Val di Sole qualifying session, finishing six seconds faster than second-placed Rachel Atherton.
Manon Carpenter hurt her shoulder so left the start hut then pulled over to rest up ahead of Sunday, while Tahnee Seagrave suffered a crash and did not finish.
Given how much the course has deteriorated over the past few days, Val di Sole promises to be one of the most punishing and technical rounds of the year.
Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 5:07PM
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