Following his 10th World Cup Circuit win, Chilliwack’s Reece Howden fell just short of his third career Crystal Globe.
After securing his World Cup Circuit victory in Nakiska, AB earlier this year, he headed to St. Moritz, Switzerland looking to close out his season with a bang. It marked the first time St. Moritz was hosting a men’s World Cup Circuit race ahead of the World Ski Cross Championships set to take place there next year (2025).
Howden won just his second ever World Cup timed qualification round at the event, but was only able to muster up a fourth place finish overall.
“I skied really well headed into the big final,” said Howden. “But a mistake left me in fourth place.”
Howden then headed to Alleghe, Italy – another new venue on the ski cross world circuit. Howden was able to finish fifth overall, which included winning the small final on day one, and collecting a gold medal on day two. His results from the event put him atop the overall standings, and within arms length of his third career Crystal Globe.
Next stop on the calendar was Reiterlam, Austria.
Despite dealing with a lingering back issue from a previous event, Howden had a strong finish taking fourth in the big final.
“I had no expectations going into the race in Austria and was hoping to make it through a couple of heats,” said Howden.
“So I was super stoked that I managed to make the big final!”
The final races of the World Cup Circuit were held in Idre Fjall, Sweden – a venue where Howden had previously collected good results.
After dealing with his back injury, he stated he was feeling good physically and “eager to get on the podium” heading into the event.
The first two days saw Howden finish third and second respectively – Howden’s fifth and sixth consecutive podiums in Sweden. Unfortunately, Howden was unable to better his results, finishing in second place overall behind Sweden’s David Moeberg. Howden’s admirable 140 points saw him fall just short of capturing his third career Crystal Globe.
“I feel like I did all I could today and I’m happy with my skiing,” said Howden who still boasts an incredible World Cup record.
The conclusion of his season has seen Howden compete in a total of 59 World Cup races – 21 of which he has finished in the top three to boast an astounding 36 per cent podium rate.
Whistler’s Marielle Thompson was able to claim the Crystal Globe on the women’s side for the 2023-2024 season. The combined efforts from both the men’s and women’s sides saw Canada take the Nations Cup for overall points for the third successive season. With the victory, Canada has now won 11 times out of the 17 that it has been presented.
READ MORE: Chilliwack ski-cross champ Reece Howden wins 10th career World Cup