A day after having a gold medal slip through his fingers, Canada’s Reece Howden didn’t let this one get away.
The Cultus Lake, B.C., native held off a late challenge from Germany’s Thomas Hronek to win a World Cup ski cross big final on Saturday in Veysonnaz, Switzerland.
Melvin Tchiknavorian of France rounded out the podium in bronze-medal position.
Howden, 27, was pipped at the line in Friday’s big final and he said after Saturday’s race that was something that was on his mind.
“I totally emptied the tank today. I felt like yesterday, you know… maybe, lost a little bit of focus in that bottom section, and I wasn’t gonna let that happen today,” Howden said.
Howden of Canada back on top of World Cup ski cross podium
The win was Howden’s 22nd career World Cup victory and helped the Canadian widen his overall lead in this season’s tour standings. His 533 points is 223 ahead of his next closest competitor, Italy’s Simone Deromeidis.
Next up for Howden is next weekend’s World Cup stop in Val di Fassa, Italy, which is the last event before the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games. The Canadian said he’s not planning on taking his foot off the figurative gas pedal ahead of the Winter Games.
“I think the biggest mistake people can do is try to save something for the Games. You know, the best thing you can do for the Games is come in hauling,” Howden said. “Keep skiing fast, and stay there, and that’s the plan. I’m not one for saving something. It is not the kind of sport we have. If you’re on top, try your best to stay there…it’s a lot easier to stay in the mix, then try to take it easy, then ramp it up for race day.
“So I’m just gonna try and stay on the high and ride it right into the Olympics.”
Canada’s Thompson claims World Cup ski cross bronze medal in Veysonnaz
In the women’s big final, Canada’s Marielle Thompson climbed the World Cup podium for the first time this season. The Whistler, B.C., native won a bronze medal as she continues her return to form after suffering a torn knee ligament at the tail end of last season.
The 2014 Olympic champion was joined on the podium by gold medallist Daniela Maier of Germany and Sonia Gigler of Austria, who took silver.
