Intro:

Marc Bischofberger picked up the first FIS ski cross World Cup win of his career thanks to his performance in Val Thorens on Saturday (January 10).

Script:

An exciting men's final in round three of this season's World Cup tour.

Straight out of the gates there were several passes - while the four stayed within pole-length of each other throughout the race.

At the back of the field, Marc Bischofberger bided his time while the three more experienced skiers in front of him exchanged the lead.

The Swiss waited - before executing a huge outside-to-inside move that would take him into a lead he never surrendered.

The win, the first of Bischofberger's career - Midol claimed second place with Leman third.

SOUNDBITE: Marc Bischofberger

"It is really special because I was not so fast at the start."

There were only three ladies competing in their big final as a crash at the finish line in one of the semi-final heats saw third-place qualifier Sanna Luedi unable to take her place.

Canada's Marielle Thompson was able to extend her lead in the World Cup standings with her second win in as many days in Val Thorens.

SOUNDBITE: Marielle Thompson

"I feel like I really improved from yesterday (Friday). I fixed up my line in a few places and it really showed and glad to be on top of the podium."

The Olympic champion held off Sweden's Anna Holmlund to move onto 300 points in the World Cup standings, 95 ahead of Georgia Simmerling.