Siegrist Jumps to Number One in Padova

Race Report: Padova Grand Prix Day Two
Written by Marcus Rietema at IGSA
Saturday, 01 August 2009

Martin Siegrist put in an incredible run to finish nearly a full second ahead of his nearest rival. Photo Bob Ozman

Padova, Italy- Martin Siegrist (SUI) became the number one qualifier for tomorrow’s Padova Grand Prix when he turned in a time of 1:58.276 on the highly technical Teolo course. Yesterday’s number two qualifier Louis Pilloni (USA) lowered his time by more than a full second to retain the number two spot at 1:59.092. Ramon Konigshausen (SUI) achieved his best ever qualifying performance in a World Cup race to finish third.

Louis Pilloni lowered his first day time but still wound up second. Photo Marcus Rietema

Mischo Erban (CAN) also lowered his time and wound up fourth. Patrick Switzer (CAN) rounded out the top five. Every rider in the top six bested the time set yesterday by James Kelly (USA). Kelly slid out and lost all of his speed resulting in a time that was more than four seconds slower than his Friday performance. As a result he dropped to seventh in the final qualifying results.

Slalom ace Ramon Konigshausen achieved his best ever qualifying result with 3rd. Photo Bob Ozman

Tomorrow’s race is going to be very interesting. There are a few surprise skaters who cracked the top ten and a few really fast skaters who are seeded deeper in the field than expected. Once the heats reach the quarter finals, it will be an all out war. We’ll have all the details here for you tomorrow as soon as the race concludes.

Patrick Switzer put in another solid qualifying performance. Photo Marcus Rietema

Padova Grand Prix
Final Downhill Skateboard Qualifying Results

1. Martin Siegrist Switzerland 1:58.276
2. Louis Pilloni United States 1:59.092
3. Ramon Konigshausen Switzerland 1:59.131
4. Mischo Erban Canada 1:59.213
5. Patrick Switzer Canada 1:59.634
6. Christoph Batt Switzerland 1:59.874
7. James Kelly United States 2:01.121
8. Scott Smith Canada 2:01.121
9. Sebastian Hertler Germany 2:01.295
10. Jackson Shapiera Australia 2:01.425

Australians
18 Adam Yates AUS 2:03.473
24 Ashley Donaldson AUS 2:04.167
30 Corey Leeson AUS 2:05.135

NZL
45 Eddie Spearing NZL 2:08.923

Padova GP Qualifying Results