Reece Howden of Chilliwack, British Columbia won two World Cup ski cross gold medals in Innichen, Italy this past weekend. He won a gold medal on Saturday, and then another on Sunday.
In Saturday’s final, Howden defeated silver medalist Alex Fiva of Switzerland and bronze medalist Tobias Baur of Switzerland. Howden won the first elimination heat, first quarterfinal heat and first semifinal heat.
In Sunday’s final, Howden defeated silver medalist Florian Wilmsmann of Germany, and bronze medalist Evan Klufts of France. For the second straight day, Howden went undefeated through all four rounds of competition.
This was Howden’s 21st career World Cup ski cross gold medal. He has eight silver medals and four bronze medals for 33 medals overall.
Of the five World Cup men’s ski cross races this season, four races have been won by a Canadian. Howden has won three races, while Kevin Drury of Toronto, Ontario won gold on December 12 in Val Thorens, France. Howden’s other gold medal this season came in Arosa, Switzerland on December 16. The only other World Cup men’s ski cross champion was Simone Deromedis of Italy, who won in Val Thorens, France on December 11.
In the World Cup men’s ski cross standings, Howden is in first place with 353 points. Deromedis is in second place with 260 points. The gold medal for Howden will give him confidence as he prepares for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo.
