Paul Murray has made a solid start to the cross country season, finishing in 58th place in the opening Sprint World Cup in Kuusamo, Finland.

In the qualifying 1.4km time trial, Murray crossed the line 10.7 seconds slower than fastest qualifier Kalle Lassila of Finland, and 3.8 seconds outside qualifying for the final 30.

"I'm certain that I got the best out of myself today given what my current form has shown, and although I was 59th and 3.5 seconds from the top 30 and finals (which was our goal), I am still pretty satisfied to have skied probably my best World Cup in two European seasons," Murray said.

"I know I have that extra 4-5 seconds in my legs to get into the finals when I'm in good form, and hopefully we can get the lead-up right in Canada in January and make it happen."

In the women’s event, Esther Bottomley finished in 71st position, skiing the qualifying in a time that was 15 seconds outside the top 30.

“It wasn't a great result for Esther,” said SSA Cross Country Head Coach Finn Marsland.

“But she was happy with the way she skied considering her illness earlier this month and the fact that she had only just arrived in Europe.”

Courtesy XC Files