Australian skier Luke Deane has produced the first top 30 result of his career, and taken the another step towards Torino 2006 selection in a super G World Cup in Colorado.

Deane finished in 29th place in the second super G of the season, clocking one minute 20.32 seconds for the journey down the Birds of Prey course, 2.99 seconds behind the time of race winner Hannes Reichelt of Austria.

Deane's team-mate Craig Branch finished in 32nd place, the best World Cup result of his career.

The results gave both skiers a top 60 per cent of field placing, one of two they need to qualify for a place on the Australian team for the 2006 Winter Olympics in February.

With fellow New South Wales skier AJ Bear collecting a top 60 per cent result in the opening super G race in Lake Louise last weekend, Australia is on track to take three skiers to the Torino event.

Beaver Creek will host a downhill event tomorrow, with Branch and Bear looking for qualifying results for that event.

Olympic Winter Institute