Fiva and Kappacher make history as men's Ski Cross big final ends in a tie

The drama was saved for the final race of the day as Alex Fiva (SUI) and Adam Kappacher (AUT) made history by sharing first place in the men's big final on day two of the FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Val Thorens on Friday.

On a day in which the conditions had wreaked havoc, including necessitating the use of a lower reserve start for the first time in 13 years at Val Thorens, Fiva and Kappacher ended the day on a positive note by becoming the first pair in history to tie the big final of a Ski Cross World Cup race.

That big final also featured Kevin Drury (CAN) and Terence Tchiknavorian (FRA), with Drury and Kappacher locked in a big battle up front early on. When the two briefly came together, Drury lost enough speed for Fiva to slip through, and he eventually caught his Austrian opponent just in time as the pair crossed the line together to each claim 100 points in the second World Cup race of the new season.

It marked a first ever World Cup win for Kappacher, who told FIS: "It's awesome. It was very windy but I managed it with Alex for a double win.”

Fiva added: "It's so cool, I can't believe it. So many heats together and now we're on top of the podium with his first victory. I really like it."

It was a 14th World Cup victory for Fiva, who responded to Kappacher's comment that he would be celebrating with "one or two beers" by saying with a laugh: "I'll go home to my kids."

Drury eventually took third place - for the second day in a row - while Tchiknavorian was the man to miss out on a spot on the podium.

The small final was won by Youri Duplessis Kergomard (FRA), followed by Germany's Florian Wilmsmann, Johannes Aujesky of Austria and Tyler Wallasch – who suffered crashes in the semi-final as well as small final in what was a difficult day for the American.

'I held it together'

In the women's section there was no such drama as dominant skiing from India Sherret (CAN) ensured she won all her races through to the big final to win a second World Cup title of her career.

Sherret finished the big final ahead of Germany's Daniela Maier (second), compatriot Marielle Thompson, and Jole Galli of Italy, who continued her impressive return to action with fourth place in Val Thorens.

"I just tried to have a good pull and hope that these girls didn't catch me," Sherret said after the big final.

"There were a couple of turns, like the big negative, that was not my best work but I held it together."

Sherret's form was no surprise as she was second fastest in both of Wednesday’s qualifying runs, only behind Sweden's Sandra Naeslund who did not race on Friday after crashing out of her quarter-final in the first day of racing.

It means the biggest winner of the weekend was Thompson, who is top of the women's overall standings after finishing first on the opening event of the season on Thursday and third on Friday.

She is closely followed by Sherret and Maier, with Fanny Smith (SUI) fourth overall after coming second in the small final - behind Canada's Hannah Schmidt but ahead of French pair Jade Grillet Aubert and Marielle Berger Sabbatel.

For Maier, whose two podiums were a shock even to her, it was a dream return to competitive skiing after picking up a season-ending injury almost a year ago.

"It was a really good comeback,” the German said.

“I am really surprised because two weeks ago I felt not too confident, honestly. Now with the two podiums the last two days, it's insane, it's crazy. I'm so happy and proud of myself."

The Ski Cross World Cup continues with the third race in Arosa on Tuesday night.