KT Calder has skied to the best World Cup result of her career, finishing 43rd in the 10km Freestyle in Canmore, Canada.
It was a solid performance from the 27-year-old ACT Academy of Sport athlete in her return to World Cup racing, though she is probably a little short of peak form at the moment.
Calder made a fast start, up in 35th place after 2.5km, but was unable to maintain her early pace throughout the race.
As most athletes who have competed on the new Canmore World Cup tracks will testify, it is a tough course built for athletes with big lungs.
The race was won by Valentina Shevchenko from Ukraine, a full 30 seconds ahead of Evgenia Medvedeva from Russia.
The men's 15km Freestyle was won by Valerio Checchi from Italy.
A day earlier, Aimee Watson achieved her biggest international result with a bronze medal in the Swiss Championship open women's 10km Classic at Lac Retaud. This is the second time in the last four years that an Australian woman has been on the podium at the Swiss Championships - KT Calder was third in the sprint in 2004.
Watson was 25 seconds behind second placed Muriele Huberle, and 1:33 behind the winner Ursina Badilatti. Fourth place went to 2006 Kangaroo Hoppet winner Natascia Leonardi-Cortesi.
Courtesy XC Files