Graves tops men's downhill qualifying

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The big names in the elite men's downhill qualifier did not disappoint the large crowd on hand for the Thredbo round of the Australian Mountain Bike National Series. Jared Graves, the 2011 four cross World Cup Series winner, completed the fastest run of the day (5:37.74). Downhill, while Graves' second sport, is something he trains hard for after the international Four-Cross season.

"I wanted to give it a good go, do some pedalling and get to know what it's going to be like on a full run tomorrow," said Graves. "I've been really enjoying the last 10 weeks of training for the downhill season and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead".

Reigning junior downhill world Champion Troy Brosnan came down the hill early setting what was at the time the fastest time of the day (5:39.06), and finished up second only to Graves. Reflecting on his amazing year of international racing, Brosnan said that it was "a pretty good year to get a World Cup podium and to win the junior world C\championship again."

Triple downhill world champion Sam Hill had a solid run (5:48.42). Rolling through an easy finish to sit in fourth place Hill will be expected to go significantly quicker tomorrow. "It's good to be back and I'm excited about riding the Australian MTB Series this year," said Hill

The women's qualifier was highlighted by the return of Tracey Hannah to racing. Hannah, the 2006 junior downhill world champion, came down the hill in a time (6:14.81) that left her over half a minute clear of the elite women's field. "I had a really good run today, I've missed the speed and the fun, I just love riding," said Hannah.

Hannah has a clear goal in mind with her return after a four-year pause in her racing career. "World champion, that's the main goal, whether this coming year or the next, that's going to be what I'm training and racing for."

Reigning Oceania Champion Holly Baarspul had a flat early in her run but will be back fresh for racing tomorrow.

In the U19 men's qualifier, 2011 National Downhill Team representative Joey Vejvoda was the fastest (5:45.08) by over two seconds, and Danielle Beecroft led the U19 women's field (6:40.63).