Calgary, AB, (January 24, 2021) – For the second day in a row, Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, BC) finished the Idre Fjäll World Cup in first place.  Standing at well over 6 feet tall, Reece doesn’t often fly under the radar, and earning his third victory of the season has set him apart on the on the World Cup Tour.   Teammate Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) had her fifth World Cup podium of the season, inching closer to her 50th career podium, with a third-place finish today. 

After yesterday’s approach of bidding his time, hanging back, and then charging at the end Reece’s strategy couldn’t have been more different today. He let his skis ride and led from start to finish of the Big Finals. 

“The draft wasn’t as big of an issue today so as I got into the start gate one of my coaches say 100% from top to bottom,” Reece said after his third win of the season. “I skied as fast as I could today, it worked out. I’m so happy this is unbelievable.”

Fighting through poor visibility on the lower part of the track, on a course known for big air, ski cross phenom ‘Big Air Mar’ crossed the line in tight fight for the podium.

“I’m a lot happier with how I skied today. I think I brought some good skiing to each heat and I’m happy to land on the podium,” Marielle said.

Blowing snow made conditions tough on the course but the Idre Fjäll World Cup volunteers were able to ensure the course stayed in tip-top shape for the third race of the week from the Nordic winter wonderland. 

Reece, who is on a roll winning three of the last four World Cup races, is primed for the rest of the season. “Third times the charm. I’ll keep trying my best. I’m super proud of these last few races, so I’ll try to carry it through the rest of the season, stay safe, stay injury-free, and keep it going.” 

The team will now head to Feldberg, GER for the last series of races before returning to Idre Fjäll for the 2021 FIS Ski Cross World Championships.

Team Results

Men’s Ski Cross
1st – Reece Howden
33rd – Jared Schmidt
36th – Kris Mahler
40th – Brady Leman
48th – Chris Del Bosco
53rd – Carson Cook

Women’s Ski Cross
3rd – Marielle Thompson
7th – Courtney Hoffos
14th – Hannah Schmidt 
15th – Tiana Gairns 
16th – Zoe Chore 

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For more information or media inquiries please contact
Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.org I 403-471-6032

About Alpine Canada
Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community. In 2020/21, Alpine Canada celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.