The women took the track at the Olympic BMX Centre first and the 2012 Olympic gold medalist proved why she owns that title. Colombian Mariana Pajon dominated the field with a time of 34.508. It was a relaxed but quick run where she landed each of the jumps softly.
Of the 16 women, the only other rider under 35 seconds was Australian Caroline Buchanan, who won the time trials at the BMX Worlds in May and a silver medal at the World Championships.
Both American riders put up strong times. Brooke Crain, after some much-needed experience in the London Games, posted a time of 35.345, which seeded her in 7th place. She was on pace to go under 35 seconds, but slowed a bit in the rhythm section on the final leg.
Alise Post cased the final jump on the first leg which hampered her time. Post recovered nicely and posted an 8th place time of 35.509.
Here are the top women in the seeding run: