Rachel Atherton has topped qualification in Lenzerheide ©Getty Images

Britain’s Rachel Atherton and the United States’ Aaron Gwin posted the fastest times in qualifying as the International Cycling Union Mountain Bike World Cup in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.

Atherton has been recovering from the shoulder injury she sustained in Fort William last month, which ended a two-year unbeaten streak.

She was forced out of the World Cup in Leogang, but nearly secured a podium finish on her return last weekend in Vallnord, Andorra.

The Briton will be buoyed by finishing first in qualying with a time of 3min 33.082sec.

France’s Myriam Nicole, winner last weekend, posted the second fastest time in 3:33.904.

The top three was rounded off by Australia’s Tracey Hannah in 3:34.374.

Aaron Gwin was the fastest qualifier in the men's event ©Getty Images
Aaron Gwin was the fastest qualifier in the men's event ©Getty Images

Gwin recorded the fastest time in the men’s competition, qualifying with an effort of 3:00.889.

Australia’s Troy Brosnan and South Africa’s Greg Minnaar followed, with times of 3:02.120 and 3:02.704.

The finals for the downhill competition are due to take place tomorrow.

Cross-country action is also due to take place this weekend, with the men’s and women’s race scheduled for Sunday (July 9).