Ski Cross: Lewen wins at home in Branaes

Ski cross racer Lars Lewen of Sweden thrilled the home crowd today, winning his second World Cup event of the season in Branaes, Sweden. Canadian Christopher DelBosco grabbed his third podium of the season in second place, followed by Switzerland’s Michael Schmid in third.

American Casey Puckett was just off the podium in fourth place, while World Cup leader Tomas Kraus finished fifth.

DelBosco is now in second place in the overall rakings, followed by Lewen in third. Puckett currently stands in fifth.

France’s Ophelie David continued in her domination of the women’s World Cup ski cross circuit today, tacking on her fourth win of the season. Austria’s Karin Huttary followed in second for her best result of the season, while Canada’s Ashleigh Mcivor rounded out the podium in third. No American women competed. 

Three races remain on this year’s ski cross World Cup schedule following the 2009 FIS Freestyle World Championships, which begin next week in Inawashiro, Japan.

For complete results click here.

Ski cross racer Lars Lewen of Sweden thrilled the home crowd today, winning his second World Cup event of the season in Branaes, Sweden. Canadian Christopher DelBosco grabbed his third podium of the season in second place, followed by Switzerland’s Michael Schmid in third.

American Casey Puckett was just off the podium in fourth place after crashing in the final round. World Cup leader Tomas Kraus finished fifth.

“Casey skied really well. He made some really amazing passes in the finish stretch,” U.S. Ski Cross Head Coach Tyler Shepherd said. “A couple of the other guys did it throughout the day, but Casey had probably some of the most spectacular passes.”

DelBosco is now in second place in the overall rakings, followed by Lewen in third. Puckett currently stands in fifth.

France’s Ophelie David continued in her domination of the women’s World Cup ski cross circuit today, tacking on her fourth win of the season. Austria’s Karin Huttary followed in second for her best result of the season, while Canada’s Ashleigh Mcivor rounded out the podium in third. No American women competed.

Three races remain on this year’s ski cross World Cup schedule following the 2009 FIS Freestyle World Championships, which begin next week in Inawashiro, Japan.

“I think Casey is getting anxious for that win. He hasn’t had it all year and he’s due – he’s knocking on the door,” Shepherd said. “Everyone is excited to get to Japan and see what that course has to offer.”

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 FIS FREESTYLE WORLD CUP
Branaes, Sweden – Feb. 24, 2009
Ski Cross

Men
1. Lars Lewen, Sweden
2. Christopher DelBosco, Canada
3. Michael Schmid, Switzerland
4. Casey Puckett, Aspen, CO
5. Tomas Kraus, Czech Republic

Women
1. Ophelie David, France
2. Karin Huttary, Austria
3. Ashleigh McIvor, Canada
4. Magdalena Iljans, Sweden
5. Meryl Boulangeat, France

For complete results click here.