Atherton, a four-time world champion, has won her last 14 downhill World Cup races in the non-Olympic event.

Her run of success includes last year's World Cup in Fort William.

The Briton clocked 5min 29.322sec today to finish more than 13 seconds clear of Australian rival Tracey Hannah at Nevis Range.

Myriam Nicole of France was third, 20 seconds behind the leader, with another home rider in Manon Carpenter placing fourth.

Britain's Tahnee Seagrave, who beat Atherton in qualification at a World Cup leg in Lourdes earlier this season before finishing third in the final, finished seventh today out of 29 starters. 

Defending champion Greg Minnaar clocked 4:44.926 to lead qualifying in the corresponding men's competition.

The South African finished 2.033 clear of Frenchman Loris Vergier.

Jack Moir of Australia was a further two seconds back in third.

Britain's world champion Danny Hart could only qualify in seventh place.

Both finals are scheduled for tomorrow at the Scottish venue.