SKI CROSS:

Serwa, chasing overall title, 2nd in SX qualifying in Sweden

March 12, 2011 — Canada Ski Cross

BRANAS, Sweden — Canada’s ski cross team made a strong start to an important weekend of racing Saturday, with eight skiers qualifying for Sunday’s finals.

Kelsey Serwa, who is in the hunt for the overall women’s World Cup title, was second-fastest in women’s qualification with a time of 53.85 seconds, just behind Sweden’s Anna Holmlund. Serwa, of Kelowna, B.C., is third in the overall rankings with 450 points, behind Holmlund (472) and Germany’s Heidi Zacher (517), who was fourth in qualifying with a time of 54.08.

On the men’s side, Dave Duncan, of Golden, B.C., was fastest in qualification with a time of 50.52, ahead of teammate Chris Del Bosco, of Sudbury, Ont. (50.98) and Finland’s Jouni Pellinen (51.12).

“It’s one of the best qualifying days we’ve had,” said assistant coach Brent Kehl. “Dave Duncan has been skiing well all year but he’s been racing injured. With Kelsey, I think lane selection is going to be a benefit tomorrow — the course is pretty tight.”

All five Canadian men qualified for Sunday’s round of 32 — and unlike in previous weeks, they are well spread out in the draw.

Duncan, whose best result on the World Cup circuit this season is a ninth-place finish in Grindelwald, Switzerland, a few weeks ago, has been hampered by injuries.

“My body’s still hurting,” said Duncan. “My hand’s still pretty weak and my ankle is taped up.
“It went well today – just a combination of fast skis and a pretty clean run. It definitely takes the edge off the pain a little bit but tomorrow’s the big race day.”

Sunday’s race will be screened on CBC’s main network at 2 p.m. ET. You can also watch live streaming at CBCSports.ca.