SKI CROSS:

Zoricic, Poleschuk lead way in St. Johann SX qualifying

Jan. 6, 2011 — Canada Ski Cross 

ST. JOHANN, Austria — Seven Canadians made it through qualifying Thursday and will try to find their way onto the podium in Friday's ski cross World Cup race at St. Johann, Austria.

On the men's side, Nick Zoricic led the way in qualifying for the Canadian team with a time of 43.25 seconds, good for 10th overall, on the highly technical and steep course. France's Jean Frederic Chapuis was the top qualifier, with a time of 42.76, followed by Jouni Pellinen of Finland and Tomas Kraus of the Czech Republic.

Davey Barr was 13th, Chris Del Bosco 16th, Stan Rey 20th and Dave Duncan 26th, as all four made it through to Friday's World Cup race. Whistler's Brian Bennett did not qualify.

"We've had good preparation. We're expecting big things," said Zoricic. "I want a podium finish  — nothing less."

On the women's side, Danielle Poleschuk was the top Canadian, finishing 10th with a time of 46.50.

Ophelie David of France led the way in 45:46, followed by Austria's Andrea Limbacher and Swiss racer Katrin Mueller.

Kelsey Serwa qualified 11th. Julia Murray, 25th, and Marielle Thompson, 18th, did not qualify. Olympic champion Ashleigh McIvor chose to sit out this event.

"This is probably the most technical course on the circuit," said assistant coach Brent Kehl. "It's water-injected, it's steep. We've been on the podium here before, but anything can happen on this course."

CBC will broadcast the World Cup from St. Johann live on Saturday, from 4-5 p.m. ET. A live feed is available at cbc.ca at the same time.  S-Magazine