FREESTYLE SKIING - SKI CROSS: Australia’s ski cross squad heads to the picturesque French resort of Val Thorens for the second stop of this season’s World Cup tour this Sunday (Australian time), looking to build on their results from the opening round in Nakiska, Canada, last weekend.

One of the encouraging aspects of the squad’s opening to the ski cross World Cup season was the performance of Australia’s most experienced female ski cross athlete, Jenny Owens.

Owens, 35 from Sydney, finished in 16th place, her best result since December 2012. Fellow Sydneysider Sami Kennedy-Sim has discussed ways of improving on her 30th place last weekend with head coach Matt Lyons while Katya Crema will not compete in France due to knee soreness. 

Her injury is responding well to treatment and it is hoped that she will return for the Innichen / San Candido World Cup in Italy on December 20.

In the men’s event Anton Grimus is determined to improve on his 19th place in Nakiska and has spent hours analysing his performance and revisiting pre-race plans to bring about a better result in Val Thorens.

Scott Kneller is also on a mission to turn around his start to the season, which saw him miss the cut for the finals.