Canadians Thompson, Drury reach podium at ski cross World Cup in Switzerland

A pair of Canadians reached the podium at a ski cross World Cup event in Arosa, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

Marielle Thompson, the 2014 Olympic champion, finished second in the women's big final, while Kevin Drury, who was 30th in the season opener at the same location on Tuesday, finished third on the men's side.

"It feels pretty amazing especially after yesterday and how my qualification went. I tried to stay focused and stay in the moment and it worked out," Drury said.

"I felt flashes of last year. I'm excited for this weekend in Val Thorens to try to keep the momentum going."

WATCH | Kevin Drury captures World Cup ski cross bronze:

Kevin Drury captures World Cup ski cross bronze

4 years ago

Duration 2:27

Kevin Drury of Toronto finishes in 3rd place in the men's ski cross big final in Arosa, Switzerland. Sweden's Viktor Andersson wins the event.

After an extended off-season Thompson was happy to be back on the podium but is hungry for more and ready to continue to find her grove as the World Cup tour continues.

"I like night racing, I'm a bit of a night owl and I come alive at night," Thompson said.

"I was happy to bounce back after yesterday's not so good result and to refocus and put a good effort in. It was fun racing all day."

WATCH | Marielle Thompson claims World Cup silver in Switzerland:

Marielle Thompson claims World Cup silver in Switzerland

4 years ago

Duration 2:13

North Vancouver's Marielle Thompson finishes in 2nd place behind Fanny Smith in the women's ski cross big final.

Zoe Chore and Courtney Hoffos also competed for Canada and were first and fourth, respectively, in the women's small final.

Fellow Canuck Antoinette Tansley crashed out in her quarter-final heat. 

Canada's Brady Leman, who was eliminated in the men's 1/8th final, entered the season with a feeling of gratitude after suffering a mountain biking accident in May. 

The start to the season comes after Alpine Canada called its athletes — who were already training in Switzerland — back to Canada in early November, citing the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Europe. Canada's ski cross team falls under this organization's umbrella.

WATCH | Leman leads ski cross team into new season:

Brady Leman leads strong Canadian ski cross team into new season

4 years ago

Duration 2:40

Reigning Olympic champion Brady Leman says he's aiming to build momentum as Beijing 2022 approaches.

The next stop on the World Cup stop ski cross calendar is scheduled for Dec. 19 and 20 in Val Thorens, France.

For more ski cross coverage, tune into Road to the Olympic Games on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET and Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.