RESULTS - Qualifying Lourdes World Cup Downhill - Mountain Bike News Story

And just like that, after what always seems like a never ending offseason, it was time to go racing again for real today. Qualifying in Lourdes went down under clement skies, with the threat of rain not materializing the riders could tackle the track without holding back. Good traction and the lines shaping up meant that the times came tumbling down and today's faster qualifier, Loic Bruni, was 3 seconds faster than the fastest qualifying time in 2017 (last time a World Cup race was held here in Lourdes). Finn Iles slotted into second place behind his team mate, 1.2 seconds back though which leaves a bit of puzzling to be done before finals. Finn's result broke up a French sweep of the top five placings, letting everybody know that the Tricolor Train has certainly not run out of steam yet and does not look likely to do so anytime soon either.

In the Women's Elite category, Vali Höll showed that she has made further progress this offseason, taking the fight to Myriam Nicole and the rest of the field. Can she turn her qualifying success into race wins this year, unlike the start to last season which saw her qualifying first and throwing away race run leads in the first few events? We'll find out tomorrow!

2nd year junior Jackson Goldstone made his new team - the Santa Cruz Syndicate - proud, as he rolled his V10 right into first place in qualifying. Phoebe Gale did the same aboard her Canyon Sender.

Tune in tomorrow for the race!

2022 Lourdes UCI World Cup Downhill - Men's Elite Qualifying Results