New Zealand’s latest world champion mountain bike pair had to play second fiddle, literally, on the opening day of the UCI World Cup in Andorra.

Junior downhill world champion, Erice van Leuven was second fastest today behind Colombia’s Valentina Roa Sanchez in qualifying, with the South American second in the overall rankings ahead of van Leuven.

The Wellington rider, who is part of the Commencal Orres professional team, was just two seconds behind but ahead of current overall championship leader, Lais Bonnaure on the 1.6km track which drops over 400m in altitude.

World champion junior silver medallist, Mt Maunganui’s Poppy Lane, has also qualified for the final after finishing eighth fastest, 12 seconds behind Roa Sanchez, but world bronze medallist, Auckland’s Sacha Earnest, has missed out on a spot in the final, two seconds behind the 10th and last qualifier.

Meanwhile Luke Wayman is the only kiwi to qualify for the junior men’s downhill final after placing ninth fastest in qualifying.

In cross-country, under-23 world champion, Sammie Maxwell from Taupo was second in the short-track race after a sprint finish, recording the same time as Switzerland’s Ronja Blochlinger, who has won all five short track races this year.

Of the other kiwis, Amelie Mackay was 30th and Mia Cameron 33rd.

National champion Matthew Wilson was best of the under-23 men in their short track race in 20th place with teammates Ethan Rose 23rd and Caleb Bottcher 33rd.

Tomorrow features the junior downhill finals and qualifying for the elite men and women, while in cross-country, the elites compete in their short track races.

Sunday is downhill elite races with all cross-country races on Monday (NZ time).

Caption: Erice van Leuven, sporting her rainbow jersey, in action during qualifying in the junior women’s downhill in Andorra today. (Credit: Dan Hearn-UCI)