Newly crowned world champion Francois Place of France topped the men's qualification at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup event in Feldberg ©Getty Images

Newly-crowned world champion Francois Place of France topped men's qualification at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Cross World Cup in Feldberg.

Place was crowned ski cross world champion at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships in Utah this month. 

His form has continued into the World Cup event in Germany, with the Frenchman topping the men's qualifying event today. 

He finished in front of compatriot Bastien Midol, who has dominated the ski cross season so far and comfortably leads the overall standings. 

Newly crowned world champion Marielle Thompson of Canada could only finish second in the women's qualifying at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup in Feldberg ©Getty Images
Newly crowned world champion Marielle Thompson of Canada could only finish second in the women's qualifying at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup in Feldberg ©Getty Images

In third was Austria's Robert Winkler. 

In the women's competition, Sweden's Sandra Naeslund topped qualifying, finishing ahead of world champion Marielle Thompson of Canada.

Switzerland's Sanna Luedi came third on what was the 50th World Cup start of her career.

Qualifying will continue in Feldberg tomorrow, with the finals taking place on Saturday and Sunday (February 16 and 17).