Innichen/San Candido (ITA) - The second stage of the 2018 Cross Alps Tour took to the slopes of Innichen/San Candido (ITA) on Friday, as the resort celebrated it’s 10th season as host of Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup action, where Fanny Smith (SUI) with a win and the Midol brothers Jonathon and Bastien (FRA) with a 1-2 finish celebrated an excellent day of skiing. 

26-year-old Smith has been on an absolute tear so far in 2018/19, winning every qualification round and both competitions so far this season, while skiing with a mixture of explosiveness and poise that none other of the ladies has been able to match.

Smith made her way easily through the first two heats on Friday, before landing in a big final that featured the reigning world champion in Sandra Naeslund (SWE), the Sochi 2014 Olympic gold medallist in Marielle Thompson (CAN), and the ever-consistent Marielle Berger Sabbatel (FRA). 

Out of the gate Smith nearly got pinched out by Naeslund and Thompson, but latched on to Naeslund’s tails as the Swede pulled out to a lead, with Thompson falling to the back of the pack. Then, around the course’s midsection, Smith found another gear, pulling easily around Naeslund and into a lead that she would not relinquish, earning her second-straight win this season and her 15th career victory in the process.

“I’m extremely happy to be on top of the podium in Innichen," said Smith after the awards cermony, ”It's a special moment to celebrate my 15th World Cup victory here, because eight years ago I celebrated my first World Cup victory in Innichen. I'm very proud of the technical advances I've made since then."

Naeslund would have to settle as the runner-up to Smith for the second straight competition, while Berger Sabbatel would earn her first World Cup podium in nearly a year, dating back to just before the Olympic break last season in Nakiska (CAN).

Midol brothers make history

For the first time in the history of the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup, two brothers shared the top two steps of the podium on Friday, as Jonathon and Bastien Midol finished one-two in what were incredible performances from each athletes.

Younger brother Bastien began the day as the odds-on favourite after winning both of Thursday’s qualification runs, and through his first three heats he skied like the race was his for the taking, attacking the Innichen track from start to finish to win every heat on his way to the final. 

Jonathon, meanwhile, made his way to the big final by pulling off pass after incredible pass, showing no fear on the icy Innichen course. And he saved his best for last, dashing his way from third to second around Leman on the second-to-last traverse in the final hear, before going shoulder-to-shoulder with Bastien through the steep giant slalom-esque bottom section and then shooting his way into first over the final hip jump for his first career win.

While Jonathon Midol earned bronze in French sweep of the podium at the Sochi 2018 Olympic Winter Games, he has seen several difficult season since then, with his last podium coming nearly four years ago, and the long wait combined with the experience of sharing the podium with his brother had him emotional after the race.

“It’s an incredible feeling. I mean, it’s my first win on the World Cup, so there’s that, but to be on the podium with my little brother is really incredible,” said Midol, “I can’t describe what I’m feeling.”

With his second-place finish Bastien Midol moved into top spot on the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup overall rankings, while reigning Olympic champion Brady Leman was able to score his first podium of the young 2018/19 season.

Action in Innichen/San Candido picks right back up tomorrow, with the first heat of the second of this weekend’s back-to-back competitions getting out of gate at 11:15 CET.

WATCH LIVE SATURDAY:

ORF Sport+, Eurosport Asia/Pacific, Eurosport 2, Eurosport Player, L'Equipe, Ziggo Sport, Ziggo Select, NRK 2, POLSAT Sport Extra, SLO 2, SVT 1, SRF zwei

QUICK LINKS:

• Full results
• Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup standings
• Ladies’ big final highlight video
• Men’s big final highlight video
• Photos © GEPA Pictures