There were two World Cup men’s ski cross races in Serbia this weekend. On Friday, Kevin Drury of Toronto won a silver medal, and on Saturday, Reece Howden of Chiiliwack, British Columbia won the gold medal.
In the World Cup men’s ski cross race on Friday, Drury landed behind gold medalist Tim Hronek of Germany and ahead of bronze medalist Florian Wilmsmann of Germany. There was a serious crash in the big final, and Drury severely injured his leg. This was Drury’s 20th World Cup medal. He has six gold medals, seven silver medals, and seven bronze medals. In Friday’s World Cup men’s ski cross race, Drury won the fifth elimination heat, and finished second to Wilmsmann in the third quarterfinal heat and the second semifinal heat.
In the World Cup men’s ski cross race on Saturday, Howden finished in front of silver medalist Wilmsmann and bronze medalist Youri Duplessis-Kergomard of France. Howden won the first elimination heat, first quarterfinal heat and first semifinal heat. In his career, Howden has won 37 World Cup medals (23 gold medals. nine silver medals and five bronze medals).
After 11 World Cup races, Howden leads with 743 points. Wilmsmann is second with 547 points. After Howden’s win, he paid tribute to Drury, who competed in his final race as he was planning on retiring this season. The gold medal will give Howden confidence as he prepares for the 2030 Olympic Winter Games in the French Alps.
