Although the World Cup at St. Johann, Austria was somewhat disappointing for the Canadian women's ski cross team, the event was a landmark for one veteran and one rookie on the men's side.
Toronto's Nik Zoricic, on the team for his third season, made the final and earned the silver medal, behind John Teller of the U.S. It was Zoricic's first World Cup podium appearance.
"It feels great to get my first podium," he said. "You need luck and for things to go your way. I had a great start today (in the finals) but I lost the race at the line when I made a little mistake at the bottom. That was a little disappointing but it still feels good to finish second."
Thomas Zangerl and Andreas Matt of Austria were third and fourth in the final heat.
Davey Barr was 13th and Chris Del Bosco 20th. Whistler's Stan Rey has also continued to improve with every race. He was 48th in the first race of the season, moved up to 27th in the second race, and then placed 23rd at St. Johann - not an easy feat given the level of competition on the men's ski cross circuit. David Duncan was 28th.
Del Bosco, a podium regular in past seasons who is looking to win his first medal of the 2011 season, was philosophical about his result.
"I'm skiing well but sometimes it doesn't go your way," he said. "I made one pass but I couldn't make another one. I'm super-stoked for Nik, though."
The women's team did not make the podium this week, which is rare. Kelsey Serwa came closest, losing in the semi-final heats then winning the small final to place fifth.
Heidi Zacher of Germany took the win, followed by Hedda Berntsen of Norway, Anna Woerner of Germany and Andrea Limbacher of Austria.
For Canada, Danielle Poleschuk was 13th and Whistler's Marielle Thompson and Julia Murray were 18th and 25th.
Olympic champion Ashleigh McIvor did not race.
