Sherwood leads the way in Red Bull X-Fighters Qualifying

Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour equal points leader Levi Sherwood has gained the upper hand on his competition claiming first place in qualifying on Cockatoo Island early this afternoon.

The New Zealand-based rider heads into the final event deadlocked on points with Frenchman Thomas Pages, who qualified only seventh.

Sherwood’s first run was the one that impressed judges most, awarded 87.40 points for his efforts against closest competitor Japan’s Eigo Sato on 84.50.

The best-placed Australian rider was 2011 event winner Josh Sheehan, who put together a run good enough for 5th place with 83.60 points.

The course has proved challenging for riders who have needed to use every available second to ensure their delivery of tricks is both smooth and stylish

The impressive course and competition precinct has taken over 60,000 man hours to complete, with barges bringing over 6500 tonnes of dirt which has been shaped by 24.5 tonnes of lift and shift equipment.

Over 400 return barge trips have been required to deliver trucks and equipment.

Tomorrow, thousands are set to turn out to see the final climactic leg of the World Tour take place where there will be plenty of home support for the four Aussie riders in action.

1. Levi Sherwood, 87.40

2. Eigo Sato, 84.50

3. Taka Higashino, 84.40

4. Dany Torres, 84.10

5. Josh Sheehan, 83.60

6. Jackson Strong, 80.70

7. Thomas Pages, 78.00

8. Cameron Sinclair, 77.60

9. Blake Williams, 76.30

10. Javier Villegas, 74.70

11. Todd Potter, 72.90

12. Maikel Melero, 0.00

View the latest preview video featuring the Red Bull X-Fighters riders and Tour Director Tes Sewell talking about the challenging Sydney course: