Competition at the Fort William World Cup downhill race heated up today as qualifying took place under warm, dry conditions.

In Junior Women's class (who were seeding only, not qualifying) Vali Holl has proven she's on an elite level with a time 20 seconds faster than 2nd place. Her 5:18 would have ranked her 5th in the Elite Women's class.

The Junior Men are battling with only 3.4 seconds separating the top 4 qualifiers. Australian, Kye A'hearn was just faster than Kade Edwards today.

Rachel Atherton returned to the top of the Elite Women's class in qualifying today, but by the slimmest of margins (1.9 seconds) ahead of Croatia winner, Myriam Nicole. Tahnee Seagrave finished third, but off the pace, some 9 seconds back. EWS superstar, Cecile Ravanel, came in 5th place but with some time to make up to break the medal positions.

Luca Shaw is out front, ahead of Danny Hart by just .088! Loris Vergier sits in 3rd just another 1.1 off the lead pace, and Troy Brosnan just .1 behind Loris, so it's really close! Race day should be bonkers. Aaron Gwin is down in 16th but had the fastest first split by .7 seconds. We're hearing he had a cut tire and finished his run with 8psi. It looks like Dean Lucas made the smart move and did not start after a big crash in practice yesterday knocking him out briefly. Martin Maes, 9th place. POW!

Elite Men's Qualifying Results

Elite Women's Qualifying Results

Junior Men's Qualifying Results

Junior Women's Seeding Results

Post-Qualifying Interviews with Luca and Loris