Rookie Swensson Leads USA

SAN CANDIDO, Italy (Dec. 17) Newcomer Joe Swensson (Niantic, CT) turned heads for the second day in a row at the first World Cup ski cross races of the season in San Candido. Swensson skied the second-fastest qualifying time then finished the day in 17th. Pat Duran missed finals by .03 of a second finishing the day 34th. Reigning X Games gold medalist John Teller, sore from a crash the day before, finished 39th. The Audi FIS Freestyle Ski Cross World Cup tour begins again in early January in St. Johann, Austria.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Rookie Joe Swensson is in his first season on the international tour and qualified both days, including an impressive second Sunday.
• Biche Rudigoz was 48^th, Trevor Ricioli in 66^th and Randy Detrick in 75^th.
• The Audi FIS Freestyle Ski Cross World Cup continues Jan. 6-7 in St. Johann, Austria.

QUOTES
Pat Duran
Joey was going at it hard coming into the last jump with all four guys. Three crashed and it was a nordic finish to the line for second place. Bad luck for Joey because he only had one and-a-half poles due to breaking one on impact in the crash.

There is some serious skiing going on right now in ski cross. It’s hard.

RESULTS
Official Results