Even if the sun and warmer temperatures made an appearance on this Friday in October, the track was still proving just as tricky for riders to handle. Lines change, new ruts form, whilst sections in the forest are still extremely slippery.
Riders were in full race mode for this qualification round because the results could potentially determine the overall classifications of these World Championships if the weather is as bad as forecast for the finals on Sunday.
It’s got to be said that our COMMENCAL riders feel pretty good on this Austrian track!
In Elite Men, Remi Thirion showed he’s as comfortable and efficient as ever in these types of conditions! The rider from Les Vosges who knows slippery conditions particularly well, clocked 4th position, +6.779 seconds from 1st place. A magnificent performance since he mentioned at the finish that he, "had problems with the brakes and made too many small mistakes." Remi was followed by his teammate Thibaut Daprela who came 5th! Both satisfied enough with their times, the two COMMENCAL Muc-Off Team members obviously hope that the final will take place on Sunday to improve on a good start!
Benoit Coulanges and Hugo Frixtalon came in 10th and 11th places.
Myriam Nicole started pretty early this morning but she posted the 3rd fastest time in Elite Women, even though she had a little crash. Obviously disappointed, the reigning World Champ remains confident aims for the final on Sunday. There were also good performances from Camille Balanche and Monika Hrastnik, our two other female riders from the COMMENCAL DORVAL Team, who took 6th and 8th places.
In the Junior Women, Lauryne Chappaz and Ella Erickson followed each other closely by taking the 5th and 6th fastest times. In Junior Men, it was Daniel Slack who impressed with the 5th fastest time! Tom Guillo took 20th place.
Remember, these qualifications may serve as a "virtual overall classification" if weather conditions are unfavourable for Sunday's final.
Photos: Keno Derleyn
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