First training session in the sunshine in Crans-Montana

The first training session for the Women's World Cup downhill races in Crans-Montana took place in glorious sunshine. Despite the very warm weather on Wednesday morning, the piste was in perfect condition for the skiers, who raced from top to bottom down the Mont Lachaux piste.

It was Germany's Kira Weidle, who has never really been that comfortable on the Haut-Plateau previously, who set the fastest time. She beat Norway's Ragnhild Mowinckel and Italy's Federica Brignone by 0.09 and 0.19 hundredths respectively.

The top fifteen skiers finished in the same second. The best Swiss athlete was Lara Gut-Behrami, who took 9th place, 0.64 behind the race leader. Priska Nufer, who won the downhill title two years ago, was 14th. Jasmine Flury (18th), Delia Durrer (26th) and Jasmina Suter (27th) all finished in the top 30.

DEPREZ-DUBUIS photo