Chilliwack ski cross athlete Reece Howden captured his third win of the season in Val di Fassa, Italy, on Sunday (Feb. 9), according to a report from Alpine Canada.
He conquered the course in snowy and foggy conditions, to earn Canada its 101st all-time win in FIS Ski Cross World Cup history.
The win marked the fourth podium of the season for the 26-year-old, two-time Crystal Globe winner, making his way up to the top step at the Italian resort after reaching third place in Veysonnaz, SUI, the week prior.
“Today’s racing was wild. I don't know if I've experienced a ski cross track race like this, but there was so much opportunity today, and I was skiing fast,” Howden said to Alpine Canada. “I didn't have much game plan other than ‘just race,’ and I think that's probably a good mentality.”
“Huge thanks to the team and all the volunteers who made this race happen –– these are far from ideal conditions, but they did a great job, and the team did great... rock on.”
Italy’s Simone Deromedis claimed second behind Howden, while Swiss veteran Ryan Regez took third. Italian skier Jole Galli won on home snow in the women's race, with France’s Marielle Berger-Sabbatel and Switzerland’s Fanny Smith rounding out the podium.
Howden’s win also pushed him up the World Cup overall ranking to third, on 542 points, the top Canadian.
The Canadian skiers now go into a weekend off of racing on the World Cup circuit before hitting the racecourse again on Feb. 28 and March 1 in Georgia, the final race before the home event in Craigleith, ON, from March 12 to 15.
