After completing the Timed Training session, the Elite racers now face a race against the clock to determine who will progress to the semi-finals. In the first qualifying session of 2024, Tahnee Seagrave has shown strong form coming out of the off-season and has taken the top spot in the Elite Women’s category. She crossed the finish line nearly two seconds ahead of the next rider, demonstrating her determination to secure a second elite win at Fort William. However, Seagrave did lose the race lead once during her run to Vali Höll in the second sector.
Following closely behind Seagrave in second place is Nina Hoffmann, who delivered a consistent performance that kept her in touch with the leader until she lost around a second in split four. Meanwhile, Anna Newkirk put on an impressive display, gaining positions in the latter sectors to finish her qualifying ride in third place. Vali Höll, the 2023 overall winner and current World Champion, was unable to match the top time and dropped to fifth place in the standings. Despite briefly taking the lead during the second sector, Höll lost significant time in split three through the upper woods.
As the Elite results continue to come in from qualifying for the first round of the 2024 World Cup series, fans are eagerly awaiting the final standings. The provisional results for the Elite Women category are as follows:
1st. Tahnee Seagrave: 4:48.043
2nd. Nina Hoffmann: 4:49.921 / +1.878
3rd. Anna Newkirk: 4:50.534 / +2.491
4th. Camille Balanche: 4:51.409 / +3.366
5th. Vali Höll: 4:51.739 / +3.696
In the Elite Men category, the provisional results are still pending. Stay tuned for updates on the top qualifiers in both divisions.