SKI CROSS:

Canadian men fastest in qualifying for X Games ski cross

Jan. 29, 2010

ASPEN, Colorado — Canadians dominated the ski cross qualifying Friday at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado.

Chris Del Bosco recorded the fastest descent of the men’s course, 1 minute, 28.72 seconds, with teammates Brady Leman (1:29.03) and Dave Duncan (1:29.19) next in line. Stanley Hayer was eighth and Davey Barr 11th.

American Daron Rahlves finished seventh, while teammate Casey Puckett pulled out of the competition. Puckett, the 2004 and 2007 gold medallist, is recovering from a left shoulder injury.

The Aspen native entered Friday's qualifying despite having surgery on his left shoulder 16 days ago and saying his health was about "90 percent" with the 2010 Vancouver Olympics looming in just two weeks. However, the Olympian did not finish the race. He pulled out near the top of the course after airing too far and landing on the upside of one of the rollers. He skied off the course in pain, holding his left shoulder and grimacing.

Despite the injury, Puckett plans on competing in the Vancouver, where he'll be making his fifth Winter Olympic appearance. The fifth showing will tie him for the most Winter Olympic appearances by an American, as bobsledder Brian Shimer holds the record. Puckett competed in alpine racing in '92, '94, '98, and '02 Winter Olympics, but he has never medaled.

Ophelie David of France led the women’s qualifying in 1:36.74, with Canadians Kelsey Serwa and Asleigh McIvor second and third, respectively, in 1:36.79 and 1:37.26.

Aleisha Cline was sixth and Danielle Poleschuk eighth.

ESPN will air the ski cross final live Sunday at 10 am. MT.  SRC

— ESPN.com contributed to this report