Canada's Marielle Thompson posted the fastest women's qualifying time Friday for the World Cup ski cross at Nakiska Ski Report in Alberta.

She was among seven Canadians who advanced to Saturday's knockout rounds and finals at the resort west of Calgary.

Thompson, the reigning Olympic women's champion from Whistler, B.C., is looking for her second win in as many races and third this season.

Teammate Kelsey Serwa of Kelowna, B.C., was second in training. Heidi Zacher of Germany was third.

The fastest 16 women and 32 men qualified to race Saturday.

Slovenia's Filip Flisar was quickest among the men with Calgary's Brady Leman second and Jonas Devouassoux of France third.

Montreal's Chris Del Bosco, Krist Mahler of Canmore, Alta., Toronto's Kevin Drury and Mathieu Leduc of Comox, B.C., also advanced.