SLIDESHOW: Down-Under Dust Destruction - World Champs DH

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To slick or not to slick? That is the question. Riders battling for the rainbow stripes at the 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championship Downhill in Cairns, Australia had to decide on tires that would get them through the incredibly heavy dust without slowing them down through the long finish pedal. Today's first practice session was full of thrills and spills.

We knew that finish sprint would put the hurt on riders. We just didn't think it was this kind of hurt. Laurie Greenland. -Sven Martin

Sam Hill did not look out of place at all today. No matter the section of the track, he was one of the fastest out there on his enduro race machine. -Sven Martin

Great is thy whipfullness, Blenki our favorite. There is no shadow of gapering with thee. @maddogboris

To slick or not to slick? That is the question. -Dan Hearn

Go big or go home. Gwin prefers to stay to get his first rainbow stripes. Then he'll go home. @maddogboris

Troy Brosnan clearly comfortable in the not-so-clean conditions. It's like his South Australia and the green and gold wants the gold.

On a big huck that intimidates most, Bernard Kerr still has time to throw some style for the photographers. -Dan Hearn

Gee looking more and more like his old self. Hitting a gap before these jumps here that so far only he and Minnaar have done. -Sven Martin

After one cruiser lap, Sik Mik was already up to speed and attacking the course. Being local means more time on track recently and less jet lag compared to his European or American competitors. -Dan Hearn

This doesn't look like Bernard Kerr's first day back on the big bike at all. Not only comfortable and charging but throwing it sideways too. -Sven Martin

As the out-going World Champ, Danny Hart gets to run the number 1 plate. He will do all he can to hold on to it come Sunday. -Sven Martin

Greg Minnaar is back on his focused training program similar to Val Di Sole. Multiple push-ups and a big, natural double that so far only he and Gee have hit. -Sven Martin

Have you ever seen a Brook Macdonald photo where he isn't looking aggressive on the bike? Floating here over the off-camber roll-in to Mick's Drop.

As the title sponsor of World Champs, it's mandatory to supply the media with liquid fuel. It's hot out there: stay hydrated kids! -Dan Hearn

BoXXer World Champs is back with a bite in a big way Saturday afternoon after the Men's Elite XC race. Who will walk away with this special custom Aussie themed trophy? -Sven Martin

Coming off a fantastic World Cup season ender at Val Di Sole, Amaury Pierron was looking seriously hot on track today. He's here with a point to prove. -Dan Hearn

Kade Edwards. Considering his age, it could be a crime. (photo by Sven, caption by gordo, indicated so Sven doesn't hassled in the morning)

Considering his age, he's probably thinking about his Instagram follower count right about now. -Dan Hearn

Considering his age, he made sure to protect his phone in his pocket before impact. -Dan Hearn

Considering his age, no respect for his elders is about right. -Dan Hearn

Considering his age, he sure hauls some serious freight. -Sven Martin

Aliens are all the topic back home in the USA. Gwin has other things to worry about right now. -Dan Hearn

Tracey Hannah looks fast already on her home track. She will be tough to beat come Sunday. -Sven Martin

Sam Hill has no problem with grip. Here he cut a full meter inside where everyone else was hitting a massive hardpack berm. #neverenoughsamshots - Digby Shaw

Obligatory spider related shot for the day as Loris speaks. -Sven Martin

Finn Iles on the first turn, which will surely put a premature end to some runs before they even get started come race day. So tricky to commit out the gate in the dust-filled rut. -Sven Martin

The time of year and weather means less (scary) wildlife around the track. A few spiders still hung around to scare the unaware. A female golden orb. #spiderspotters

Emilie Siegenthaler winding her way down the same turns that were a feature of this track 21 years ago. -Sven Martin

Sylvain Cougoureux sadly went down hard in practice today and went to get checked up with a suspected wrist injury. He was definitely a medal contender and one to push Matt Walker and Finn Iles in Junior Men's. -Sven Martin

Matt Walker corner crushing where others are sliding and losing speed. He was on a mission to build pace today, given that the remaining practice sessions are far shorter. -Dan Hearn

Everyone joined in the berm-wrecking. Rachel left the surface of this corner in the air and down the bank below. - Digby Shaw

More of Rachel joining in with the camera-destroying fun! -Dan Hearn

Eddie plans to win timed training tomorrow. He's known for big results when it doesn't count. - Photo: Tupac Schieckur AKA The Hoff AKA Schieck and Destroy

Deep Australian dust caused problems for riders today. This young Aussie didn't make it past the first turn. - Digby Shaw

Vaea Verbeeck on the fast, high line. Not many riders tried this line in B practice. @maddogboris

Things are really upside down down under. Stay tuned for more action from seeding tomorrow! @maddogboris

Good to see Neko Mulally back on the racetrack. @maddogboris

The Elite Women's class is closer than it ever has been, meaning Sunday is wide open. Myriam Nicole hopes to shut it down by standing at the top on race day, doubling up with her World Cup overall win this year. @maddogboris

Florent Payet won the bronze medal last year. We wouldn't be surprised if he does it again this year. @maddogboris

Rupert Chapman ain't scared. @maddogboris

YT Mob filmer and this week's Vital RAW smasher, Brock VanHeel kicking up #fakenews dust for the instagraphers. @maddogboris

Despite never riding dust at home, Greg Williamson is quite pleased with the conditions this week. @maddogboris

Lots of looking at the rock garden by all the riders today. With four or five line options, there are decisions to be made. You might not win the race here, but you can lose it. -Sven Martin

Worlds is all about lightweight, but 9-spoke wheels may be a bit over the top. @maddogboris

Luca Shaw ready to send for the U.S.A! @maddogboris

Shelly Flood was pushing hard in practice and paied the price. Luckily she could laugh about it and continued riding. @maddogboris

Unfortunately Markus Pekoll had a massive crash today. He was able to continue his run, so let´s hope he is okay and able to race his last World Champs finals on Sunday. @maddogboris

#gas2flat Adam Brayton showed once again why he has this name. The only rider we saw jumping at the Alien Tree. @maddogboris

Canadian Junior, Joshua Flutz-Veinotte sending it towards the rock garden. @maddogboris

Kade Edwards has recently traded in Kaos as his training partner but who is leading who around? -Sven Martin

Another victim of the rocks and dust. No harm done. -Dan Hearn

Three World Cup wins, perfectly prepared and ready to win her first Elite World Champs - Tahnee Seagrave was on fire from first practice run! @maddogboris

Rudy Cabirou demonstrating the scale of the huck well. -Dan Hearn

This photo is unedited. The light spots are so harsh, it's no wonder riders were unable to see some obstacles right in front of them. It can be a challenge to shoot photos in the jungle too. #schieckspotters -Dan Hearn