Hawkes Bay professional Brook MacDonald has qualified fourth fastest for the downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Italy.
The Trek World Racing rider zoomed down the treacherous downhill course at Val di Sole three seconds behind the in-form Gee Atherton (GBR) who again set the pace.
MacDonald, the national champion who was second in the World Cup in Scotland last weekend, says he's delighted with the effort.
The New Plymouth pairing of Ed and Wyn Masters enjoyed strong qualifying performances in 33rd and 38th respectively.
Christchurch rider Cameron Cole was one to suffer, crashing in qualifying.
Fellow Kiwi pros Sam Blenkinsop (Lapierre International) and George Brannigan (Trek World Racing) were 44th and 72nd respectively in qualifying.
