The battle of qualifying was held today at the Showdown at the Loops. Racers had 4 solo runs to lay down their fastest timed run to be seeded into the Final Bracket. For many, this is bragging rights to prove who is faster down Maryhill.
Defending Maryhill Champion, Zak Matyum, asserted his dominance by qualifying first and laying down a 3:04.328. While many riders chose to take breaks during practice, Zak rode the majority of runs all three days. His efforts were rewarded.
2015 World Champion, Carlos Paixão, was not far behind with a 3:04.347. This is the first event of the year Carlos hasn’t qualified 1st. He has also won all three IDF events he has entered this year. You can expect a strong challenge on race day.
Rounding out the times in the 3:04’s is current champion points series leaders, Max Ballesteros, with a 3:04.861. A win at this event would secure a second WQS (World Qualifying Event) victory for Max.
Thiago Gomes Lessa (3:05.164), Spencer Smith (3:05.653), Jimmy Riha (3:05.884), and Jackson Shapiera (3:05.981) were all able to record a run in the 3:05’s.
Rounding out the 10 was Alex Charleson (3:06.336), Mitch Thompson (3:06.658), Stephen Dumaine (3:06.728).
The top 48 riders are now seated into the Final Bracket. With 6 riders to a heat and top 3 advancing to the next round, racing will be aggressive from the first round. While qualifying times help with seeding in the bracket, Maryhill keeps the pack together with its consistent drafting sections.
In Luge, 2015 World Champion, Mikel Echegaray Diez, laid down the fast run of the day with a 2:58.508. Ryan Farmer showed up day of qualifying to secured 2nd with a 3:03.564 with little practice. Mike Paproski rounds out third.
Emily Pross (3:10.444) qualified 1st ahead of Victoria Waddington (3:15.875) in the Women's Class but expect these ladies to put up a challenge in the open class.
In Juniors, Nikolas Matousek (3:10.989) edged out Knox Heslop (3:11.535).
Mike Paproski commanded Skateboard Masters with a 3:13.675. Saturday is race day and the final day of the Showdown at the Loops.
Stay tuned to the IDF (Facebook, Instagram), for updates and Live Brackets.
