SKI CROSS:

Serwa snags ski cross gold in France

Jan. 12, 2011      ♦ Photo: Kelsey Serwa (John Evely, serwa.com)

L’ALPE D’HUEZ, France — Canadian Kelsey Serwa won ski cross gold while teammate Ashleigh McIvor claimed bronze Wednesday at a freestyle World Cup.

Serwa, from Kelowna, B.C., earned her first victory of the season and fourth overall by beating Fanny Smith of Switzerland.

McIvor, the Olympic champion from Vancouver, ended up third.

Daniel Bohnacker of Germany earned his first career World Cup win by finishing ahead of Austrians Andreas Matt and Patrick Koller in the men's race.

Chris Del Bosco of Sudbury, Ont., was the top Canadian in fifth.

Nick Zoricic of Toronto was eighth, Davey Barr of Whistler, B.C., ninth, and David Duncan of London, Ont., 10th.

Serwa said having the support of teammates including Olympic champion McIvor has been a big part of her success this season.

"We like seeing each other do well," said Serwa, 21. "Every race so far we've been on the podium. It's a reflection of how well we work together. Hopefully everyone gets their turn."

There were three Canadians in Wednesday's semifinal, with Serwa and Whistler duo McIvor and Marielle Thompson all vying for a place in the final alongside Ophelie David of France. Serwa and McIvor worked together to edge their French rival and make it through. In the final, Serwa got off to a strong start and held on for the win.

"I'm on a pretty good roll now," said Serwa. "I know I can do it."

Thompson finished eighth Wednesday and Calgary's Danielle Poleschuk was ninth.

"Kelsey and Ashleigh were able to move into the final and it's always nice to get two on the podium," said Eric Archer, Canada's head coach. "Kelsey was having good starts all day and Ashleigh was right behind her in the final. She was coming along and was ready to make a move but kind of slowed down on a roller and there was enough speed for Fanny to move through. It's unfortunate we had all four girls on one side of the draw but first and third is good."

McIvor, who skipped last week's event in St. Johann, Austria, said a small mistake cost her in the final, but she's happy with how she's skiing and is enjoying the relaxed post-Olympic vibe within the team.

"I was pretty hungry for a result," she said, adding when she's enjoying skiing the results inevitably follow. "The whole atmosphere here is a little more chilled than in the past."

There was disappointment on the men's side as Del Bosco again skied well but wasn't able to land on the podium. He was fifth.

"In the semifinal ... I just got pulled in the draft and made an error," said Del Bosco. "There was nothing I could really do to get it back."

Del Bosco, who is returning from injury, thinks it's only a matter of time before he claims a top-three finish.

"My starts are really good right now," he said, adding that in the past, starts were a weakness.

Next up: Canada's teams will head for Les Contamines, France, for ski cross World Cup races on Sunday, Jan. 16.

S-Magazine

— The Canadian Press and Canada Ski Cross contributed to this report

L'Alpe d'Huez women's World Cup ski cross results

L'Alpe d'Huez men's World Cup ski cross results