Jenny Owens has finished in 13th place in the opening World Cup skier cross event of the season.

Battling knee, groin and ankle injuries, Owens qualified in 13th place, earning a tough opening head-to-head round against the eventual gold and bronze medalists.

Owens’ Australian team-mate Katya Crema, skiing in her first World Cup event, finished in 18th place in the qualifying round, just missing a berth in the head-to-head rounds.

The event was won by Ophelie David of France, from Hedda Berntsen of Norway and Meryl Boulangeat, also of France.

“After a bad qualifying time, I made it very hard for myself for the first heat,” Owens said.

“I was neck and neck with Ophelie and Meryl but had to slow down on the second turn as I was going to be cut off and didn’t want to miss the gate.”

“I ended up coming third in my heat, but I guess I can’t be too down.”

“I was ranked fourth in my heat and beat the girl who qualified in fifth place.”

Owens will now contest the second World Cup of the season in Flaine on Wednesday.

Courtesy OWI/Sportcom