Alleghe, Italy/Calgary (From Alpine Canada) – Canada won the men’s and the women’s race at today’s FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Alleghe (ITA) with Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) winning the women’s race and Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) taking the men’s race. This is the third time this season Canada has won both the men’s and women’s races on the same day. Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) joined Thompson on the podium in second place today for her 15th career podium.
In her 130th World Cup start, Thompson secured her second win this season and the 27th World Cup win of her career. In 10 races this season, Thompson has eight top five’s and now sits just three points behind teammate Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) in second place in the season standings. Schmidt finished fourth today for her seventh top five this season.
Today’s win is Howden’s second this season and gives him 11 wins in his 52 career World Cup starts. Today’s result vaults him ahead of teammate Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) into the lead in the season standings. Schmidt finished 12th today.
“It was a battle out there today,” said Howden. “I tried to focus on my skiing and to having a strong start. The start here is a long one and it’s important to get it right. The team is battling hard right now, people are stepping up and everyone is on a high. They put on an amazing event here and now we’re excited to get to the next race and to keep it going.”
Next up for Reece – Ski cross race in Bakuriani (GEO) for races on Feb 10 and 11.
Complete recap from Alpine Canada is here.
