Fanny Smith was the quickest women's qualifier in Sunny Valley ©Getty Images

Newly minted Olympic bronze medallist Fanny Smith was the fastest women's qualifier as the International Ski Federation Ski Cross World Cup continued after its Pyeongchang 2018 break in Sunny Valley.

The Swiss clocked 1min 11.39sec on her descent of the Russian course to head the 16 qualifiers for the finals.

Smith, the 2013 world champion, led a high-class field with Sandra Naeslund second in 1:11.69.

The Swedish reigning world champion missed out on the medals in Pyeongchang, finishing fourth in the big final, but has dominated the World Cup circuit this term and has already wrapped up the overall title thanks to six wins out of eight so far.

Kevin Drury was the fastest qualifier in the men's event ©Getty Images
Kevin Drury was the fastest qualifier in the men's event ©Getty Images

Canada's Kelsey Serwa, won won gold in Pyeongchang to upgrade her Sochi 2014 silver, was third quickest today in 1:12.03.

In the men's event Canada's Kevin Drury, who did not finish the Olympic big final last month, was the quickest qualifier in 1:07.36.

His compatriot Brady Leman, the Pyeongchang gold medallist, followed him as the second fastest down in 1:08.35.

Jonas Lenherr of Switzerland was third after stopping the watches at 1:08.62.

Thirty-two men have qualified for the finals in all, with two events taking place for each gender tomorrow and Sunday (March 4).