Calgary, AB. (March 14, 2025) — Two Canadians stood proudly on the podium today singing our national anthem at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup race at the Craigleith Ski Club in Collingwood (ONT). Topping the podium for the fifth time this season, in the only home World Cup race on calendar, was Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) while Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) finished in third place.
In front of a crowd of flag waving Canadians, Howden, in his 75th World Cup start, battled his way through the heats including a quarterfinal that saw him make a late pass to advance to the semis. Today’s win moves Howden up into second place in the season standings.
“You gotta win the start here and you have be aggressive because you don’t have much time to make things happen,” said Howden. “I had a close one in the quarterfinals but just got him at the line. Being solid and precise is key on this track and you need maintain your space.”
“The fans have been unreal this week! This is by far the most energetic stop on the whole tour and everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. It’s amazing to race at home.”
For Drury, today’s result is his fourth podium of the season, and the 17th of his career.
“It’s unbelievable to race at home and to get a podium makes it pretty sweet,” said Drury. “I had a good start in the finals but made a mistake that dropped me to third. I carried a ton of heat into the bottom of the course and thought maybe I could get to second but I sky bombed the last jump and stayed third.”
The Canadian women were led by India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC), also in her 75th World Cup start, who won the small final to finish fifth and to maintain her position at the top of the season standings.
“I had some really good skiing out there today and I’m reasonably satisfied with how it all went,” said Sherret. “Winning the small finals is nice because you finish the day off on a high note with a win, and that’s the kind of performance that I know that I’m capable of and I’ll try to carry that into tomorrow.”
“The fans here are so amazing! Everyone is super psyched, and I love the energy. It’s great to race in this environment and to feel all of the support.”
Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) finished sixth today and Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC) was eight giving Canada three women in top eight.
Other Canadian men in action today were Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) in ninth place, Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) in 20th and Nicholas Katrusiak (Whistler, BC), in 24th.
Next CANskiteam World Cup races: (link to FIS Calendar)
Ski cross race again at home in Craigleith Ski Club in Collingwood, Ontario, March 15
Men tech are in Hafjell (NOR) for a GS and SL March 15-16
Para alpine race in Veysonnaz (SUI) March 20-15
Alpine World Cup Finals run Sun Valley (USA) March 22-27
Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and subscribe to our newsletter.
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