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The 2009/2010 season opening World Cup ski cross event was held in Innichen/San Candido, Italy on Monday before Christmas.

In the ladies' final Anna Holmlund (SWE), who had been taking the hole shot all day, continued her streak and broke out in first from the start, Canada's Ashley McIvor who had also been starting well, settled into second spot with relative ease after a tangle between reigning World Cup champion Ophelie David (FRA) and Sophie Fjellvang-Soelling (DEN). In a tight finish that came down to ½ a ski length, Holmlund won and McIvor settled for second place on the day before David. 

"I was confident going in and knew that barring any bad luck I had every chance of making the finals and ultimately the podium. The day went well all things considered, I sprained my SI joint at training camp so it was really important that I follow a routine that I was comfortable with," said McIvor. "Following a plan gave me a lot of confidence going into today. I'm always looking to have fun when I ski; I just find that makes me ski better!"

In the men's final, Swiss Michael Schmid, who was perfect all day long again showed mastery of the cadence of the starter perfectly to get the edge out of the gate. While Schmid rode a clean course to the win, Casey Puckett (USA) and French skier Xavier Kuhn battled for second all the way. Puckett nearly got by the Frenchman on the second turn, but had to adjust his line so they didn't cross tips so Kuhn finished second ahead of Puckett in the end.

Next race is Tuesday again in the Northern Italian resort of Innichen/San Candido.

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