The unseasonal wet weather played havoc with the latest round of the UCI MTB World Cup at Les Gets in the Haute-Savoie region of France.
The stormy weather and the rain-soaked course forced the cancellation of the junior downhill finals, with results based in qualifying on the first day.
That left Christchurch’s Luke Wayman remaining in fourth overall in the junior downhill ranks, after placing 12th in qualifying, with fellow Cantabrian Oli Clark (Union Sinter) in 15th.
Tauranga’s Eliana Hulsebosch (Union) remains in the lead in the junior women from fellow New Zealanders Erice van Leuven (Commencal les Orres) and Sacha Earnest (Trek Factory) after the trio placed third, fourth and fifth respectively in qualifying.
The elite riders did race in the treacherous conditions, with Lachie Stevens-McNab (Rotorua, Union) the best in 11th fastest to move two spots higher to 13th place in the downhill standings.
Former junior world champion Jenna Hastings just missed a spot in the finals of the elite women, with national champion Jess Blewitt sidelined with injury.
Action moves back to the cross-country for the final day of competition tomorrow.
Results, UCI MTB Downhill, Les Gets (FRA):
Elite men: Amauri Pierron (FRA) 3:43.976, 1; Andreas Kolb (AUT) at 6.4982; Greg Minnaar (RSA) at 6.711, 3. Also: Lachlan Stevens-McNab (NZL – Union Steel City Media) at 16.675, 11.
Elite women: Eleonora Farina (ITA) 4:19.468, 1; Millie Johnset (NOR) at 6.76s, 2; Tahnee Seagrave (GBR) at 20.66s, 3.