Swiss, Slovenian riders take season's first skiercross World Cups

Swiss, Slovenian riders take season’s first skiercross World Cups{mosimage}USSA — Hometown racer Patrick Schmid and Sasa Faric of Slovenia prevailed in the first World Cup skiercross of the season Sunday at Saas-Fee, Switzerland. Austrian Isidor Gruner was second for the men followed by Lars Lewen of Sweden.

On the women’s side, Fraziska Steffen of Switzerland edged Magdelena Iljans of Sweden for second. Zach Crist was the top American racer in 11th place, while brother Reggie Crist, a former World Cup alpine racer, was 48th. No U.S. women competed.

Both Crist brothers have won X Games gold medals in skiercross, making successful transitions from alpine racing to freestyle skiing. They expect to continue to participate in the World Cup edition of the sport throughout the season.

FIS Freestyle World Cup
Saas-Fee, SUI, November 23
Men’s Skiercross Final
1. Patrick Schmid, Switzerland
2. Isidor Gruner, Austria
3. Lars Lewen, Sweden
4. Xavier Kuhn, France
5. Massimiliano Iezza, Italy
U.S. skiers:
11. Zach Crist, Ketchum, ID
48. Raggie Crist, Ketchum, ID

Women’s Skiercross Final
1. Sasa Faric, Slovenia
2. Fraziska Steffen, Switzerland
3. Magdelena Iljans, Sweden
4. Karin Huttary, Austria
5. Valentine Scuotto, France