Fear. With a calender that infrequently changes year-on-year It’s not something we’re used to seeing among the World Cup elite, but this Mont Sainte Anne track has really shaken things up.

Photos: Seb Schiek

The forecast rain never arrived so we’ve been left with a baked track that could could be the fastest we’ve raced on since the days of fireroad bashing, one that suited those who could straighten their index fingers and let it hang out. It’s a fine line to tread though as a misplaced wheel would seen you gobbled up and spat out as Sam Dale, Myriam Nicole, Remy Morton and others found out.

Troy Brosnan was the fastest on the hill today. To give you an idea of how fast this new track is, his time of 4:07.6 has already eclipsed Josh Bryceland’s winning time of last year by 15 seconds. Hot on his heels was the returning World Champion Loic Bruni. Bruni claimed this was going to be a gentle comeback so has probably even surprised himself with his pace. Behind them lie a pack of Brits waiting to pounce – keep an eye on Danny Hart who had the fastest first three splits.

In the women’s race, Atherton and Carpenter were the only women to go under five minutes. It’s looking like another three horse race for the women with Tahnee yet to show her hand.

Here’s all the best action from day one: