It was Yukon cross country skier Dahria Beatty's last tune-up race before the World Cup races begin next weekend in Davos, Switzerland. On Saturday, Beatty competed at the Opa Cup in Pokjuka, Slovenia and earned bronze.

Beatty said her placing in the 1.2 kilometre sprint final is a good boost for next weekend's competitions. Several of the skiers who competed in Slovenia will be on the World Cup circuit.

"This weekend’s third was definitely a good confidence booster," said Beatty. "It’s always great to make the podium in an international field."

"I felt strong in the heats and am happy with my podium finish. It was a good opportunity to practise some more aggressive heat skiing and race tactics in a deep field with some regular World Cup sprinters."

Beatty qualified for the round of 30 of the head-to-head heats in the 17th spot and found another gear while making her way through the to the final.

Beatty won her quarter-final round before lunging to third place at the line in her semifinal heat.

"I was a bit too slow in the first half of the course in the qualifier, but this being my first race in Europe after travel, I was happy to see that change for the better throughout the rounds," said Beatty. "The final result gives me good optimism and excitement heading into the World Cup next weekend."

She said her race shape continues to improve and that she is looking to carry the momentum from the Opa Cup into Davos.

"My race shape is feeling good and I am looking forward to racing against an even deeper field next week at the World Cup," said Beatty. "I am hoping to take the feeling and level of skiing I had in the heats this past weekend and carry those feelings into my racing next weekend."

Slovenia’s Katja Visnar was first, while her teammate, Vesna Fabjan was second.

Joining Beatty in Slovenia was teammate and fellow Yukoner Emily Nishikawa, who competed in the 10-kilometre final.

Nishikawa had a good showing placing 10th in 26:24.7. Her time was 28.2 seconds behind the winner, Elisa Brocard from Italy.

Beatty did not start in the 10-kilometre event.