First: Tracy Moseley
Second: Rachel Atherton
Third: Sabrina Jonnier
Semi-Finals
Sunday (29th May) morning saw a great start for the British Women DH'ers. Downhill sensation Tracy Moseley, Team Kona Les Gets, who has already won twice at Fort William (2002 and 2005), set the fastest semi-final time of 5:15:52, 10.52 seconds ahead of fellow British rider Helen Gaskell. Moseley is presently World Cup leader after one race and set a storming time and looked well positioned for hte final later in the day. 2005 Junior World Champion Silver medallist Rachel Atherton (GBR) had a great run setting the fifth fastest time in a field of 39 riders. The 2005 World Cup Champion Sabrina Jonnier (FRA) took 7th place going into the final.
Tracy Moseley, Team Kona Les Gets, said: 'The conditions are appalling. It's windy and rainy. I had a great run this morning and just hope my legs are up to a good run this afternoon. The support again is absolutely amazing. It feels like there are tens of thousands of people lining the course!'
Finals
The women riders kept Fort William's hugely enthusiastic crowds happy later in afternoon with the thrilling climax to the second round of the Downhill UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. The final race went well for the Brits with a repeat of last year's win by Tracy Moseley. The current World Cup leader finished the race almost 8 seconds faster than 18 year old Rachel Atherton in second place with fellow British rider Helen Gaskell in fourth. France's Sabrina Jonnier, the 2005 World Cup Champion, spoiled the British 1,2, 3 by taking third place.
Tracy Moseley, Team Kona Les Gets said, 'I'm really chuffed! The race went really well, I just stuck to my lines and went as fast as I possibly could.'
Eighteen year old Rachel Atherton, Team Animal / Giant, said, 'It was pretty hard at the top because of the wind. I'm stoked to get second though.'
Final DH results - Women
- 1 GBR19790412 MOSELEY Tracy KONA LES GETS FACTORY TEAM 5:12.05
- 2 GBR19871206 ATHERTON Rachel TEAM ANIMAL / GIANT 5:19.63
- 3 FRA19810819 JONNIER Sabrina 5:20.94
- 4 GBR19830116 GASKELL Helen 5:22.57
- 5 FRA19830128 GROS Céline ALVAREZ RACING 5:25.13
- 6 FRA19860527 RAGOT Emmeline QBIKES 5:28.08
- 6 USA19821226 PRUITT Kathleen 5:28.08
- 8 SUI19770322 SANER Marielle TEAM BIKEPARK.CH TUI 5:29.00
- 9 GBR19820827 GRIFFITHS Fionn 5:30.35
- 10 JPN19830401 SUEMASA Mio 5:35.54
- 11 CHI19851019 PIZARRO Bernardita 5:40.22
- 12 NED19820707 BEERTEN Anneke SPECIALIZED FACTORY RACING 5:44.08
- 13 USA19820125 BUHL Melissa 5:47.79
- 14 CAN19780426 BUCHAR Claire 5:51.43
- 15 AUT19801112 MOLCIK Anita ARBÖ RSP DOWNHILL RACING TEAM 5:53.68
