Canadian snowboard cross racer Eliot Grondin set the pace Friday in qualifying for a World Cup race in Sierra Nevada, Spain.
Grondin, a native of Sainte-Marie, Que., completed his run in 37.39 seconds, just ahead of Spaniard Lucas Eguibar (37.58).
Prince George racers Evan Bichon and Colby Graham weren’t quite quick enough to nail down a top-16 finish needed to move on to Saturday’s race.
Bichon finished 31st (38.70) while Graham ended up 52nd (39.36) in a field of 63 racers.
Liam Moffatt of Truro, N.S, finished 20th (38.43) and Tristan Bellof Gatineau, Que., was 59th (39.76).
In women’s qualifying, Michela Moioli of Italy was quickest, covering the course in 39.53.
Meryeta O’Dine of Prince George, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist in 2022, finished 17th (41.31), one spot shy of making the cut to Saturday’s race.
Kennedy Justinen of Rocky Mountain House, Alta., was 25th (42.46).
The women’s qualifying event had 27 entrants.
