Smith and Atherton gain psychological advantage ahead of downhill shootout

[Matt]

With the globe’s mountain biking community eagerly counting down the hours to the start of Sunday’s men’s and women’s downhill events of the 2013 UCI MTB & Trials World Championships, Saturday morning saw Canadian Steve Smith and Rachel Atherton of Great Britain post the fastest times of the official timed runs in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

 

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[Tumbleweed]

Not sure if I agree with this. Chatted to some of the riders. Many backed off after the first split. "Didn't want to show my hand," was a common refrain.

[Capricorn]

I am however curious to see Sam Hill qualifying so far back. Did he crash and how many times?

 

or are they taking bets the track is firmest before the herd has tramped it to a fine dust?