Rachel Atherton has to settle for second

After qualifying in first, the Llanrhaeadr downhill ace looked well placed to lead the way only to see her chances dealt a blow when going off course in the finals of the elite women’s event.

Although having to settle for second spot, the 30-year-old remains in pole position in the standings with 986 points – 80 clear of fellow Brit Tahnee Seagrave (906) while Tracey Hannah is third (740). Andorra is widely reharded as one of best tracks on the circuit, being steep and technical, and Atherton quickly made her mark by being the first qualifier with a scorching time.

She extended her lead to four seconds in the finals, but disaster struck when she went off course and lost crucial time.

It allowed her closed rival Seagrave to take the win in a time of 4.49.84, while Atherton was 4.82 seconds behind in runners-up position with Hannah third.

“I’m gutted, again,” said Atherton, “I can’t believe I blew off course, I pushed back up and tried to crack on but came in four seconds down.

Despite her disappointment, Atherton is well placed to regain the world crown with three rounds left as she gears up for the next race in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, on Sunday August 12.

Representing Trek Factory Racing, she is now recapturing the form that made her five times downhill world champion - a title she relinquished last year due to a shoulder injury.

In the men’s elite, the Trek Factory team had high hopes for Atherton’s brother Gee who qualified for the finals in 12th position, and with plenty left in the tank.

However, after suffering mechanical problems just moments out of the gate, Gee failed to get into contention and crossed in 16th place.

That led to an eventual 33rd finish in a time of 4.17.48, almost 14 and a half seconds off the pace.