WORLD CUP QUALIFYING RESULTS: Gee and Rachel Atherton Go Fastest at Val di Sole 2013 17

In the second round of the 2013 World Cup Downhill series,  Gee and Rachel Atherton (GT Atherton Racing) proved they were the fastest on the mountain during qualifying at Val di Sole, Italy.

Gwin was less than two seconds off Gee's pace. Can he reel him in on Sunday? - Photo by Sven Martin

In the Elite Men's class, Gee beat out Aaron Gwin (Specialized Racing) by just 1.36 seconds. Gwin had the fastest top two splits, losing time to Gee only on the last minute of the course. Steve Smith, Brook Macdonald and Sam Hill rounded out the Top Five.

Riders hit over 46kph in the speed trap on the steep Val di Sole course with Mick Hannah earning the fastest speed of the day at 46.2kph. Gee Atherton came through the speed trap with the second fastest speed of 44.5kph.

All of Rachel's hard work during the off season is showing, with another solid first place qualifier. - Photo by Sven Martin

Rachel Atherton put a solid dent in the women's field, over 6-seconds ahead of 2nd place, Emmeline Ragot (Lapierre Gravity Republic).

Phil Atwill charging to a top spot in the Junior Men's category. - Photo by Duncan Philpott

In the Junior Men's category, Phil Atwill (Madison Saracen) put up a time that would have positioned him in the low 30's in the Elite Men's qualifying field.

Even though rain was predicted, the weather held out and conditions are still bright and sunny leading into the final day of practice. Racing kicks off on Sunday afternoon, where we'll see if the top qualifiers can defend their

A few notes...

  • Cam Cole didn't make top 80, but with the number 16 plate, he should be protected and racing finals. He crashed between the first and second split, and finished 112th overall.
  • Mitch Ropelato was on pace to be in the top 50, but two big mistakes near the finish put him off the back. He'll miss the big show after qualifying 122nd.
  • Bryn Atkinson didn't start following a few hard falls yesterday and today. Matthew Beer and Filip Polc also DNS'ed.

Elite Men's Top 80 Qualifying Times at Val di Sole - FULL RESULTS

Elite Women's Top 20 Qualifying Times - FULL RESULTS

Junior Men's Top 20 Seeding Run Times - FULL RESULTS

Now is the time to place your Vital OTB prediction if you have not already. You can win a RockShox Vivid rear shock. Remember, if you have made a prediction, edits are NOT allowed!

Don't miss our slideshow of Thursday's practice session for more action from VDS.

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