Although it was dry through morning practice, the track still proved to be just as difficult for riders to grasp the last day before finals in Leogang. Lines change, new variations pop up and the woods were extremely slippery.

Riders immediately got into real racing from the off in qualifying. Myriam Nicole posted the 2nd fastest time in the women's category and said she was confident for Saturday despite the conditions. Also a nice performance for World Champion Camille Balanche, who won her Championship title here and who took the 5th fastest time. Monika Hrastnik finished 6th.

Thibaut Daprela ran into a tree and still managed a great 3rd fastest time! Angel Suarez was 10th fastest qualifier, followed by Benoit Coulanges (14th), Baptiste Pierron (16th) and Amaury Pierron (21st). Behind them, taking top 30 places were Greg Williamson (24th) and Hugo Frixtalon (28th).

Ella Erickson took a great 4th fastest time in junior women. In the junior men, it was Pau Menoyo who achieved another good performance with the 5th fastest time. He was followed by Tom Guillo and Tristan Lemire (9th and 11th).

Finals tomorrow!

Photos: Nico Brizin / Keno Derleyn