Thompson Tops Podium in Ski Cross Opener
Calgary, AB. (Dec 12, 2024) — Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC), the defending Crystal Globe winner, started the new season with a win at today’s FIS Ski Cross World Cup in Val Thorens (FRA) in the first of 17 races this season. This is Thompsons 68th World Cup podium and the 32-year-olds, 32nd win.
In the first of back-to-back races under a beautiful blue sky in Les 3 Vallées, Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) took third place in the men’s race. This was Drury’s first race in return from injury last February, and his first podium since January 2022 in Nakiska, Alberta.
“After all the training and preparation this summer it’s really satisfying to get a result like this,” said Thompson. “It was tough, tight racing today and I focused on sticking to my plan and not making too many mistakes. I’m feeling good heading into tomorrow and the teams feeling great with Kevin on the podium and Reece just missing it.”
“This feels absolutely incredible,” said Drury. “To think that just a few months ago I was on the fence about retiring. My knee felt awesome today and I had a feeling that if my body felt good that I could ski like I used to. Feeling really excited and hoping to keep the body in good shape.”
India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) won today’s women’s small final to finish fifth, while Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) was eighth and Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) was 15th.
On the men’s side, Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) missed the podium by one spot in fourth place finish, Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) was 20th, Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) 24th and Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB), 28th in his first race back from injury.
In the second day of racing at the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup stop in in Steinach am Brenner (AUT) the athletes raced the alpine combined with a super-G and a slalom.
Michaela Gosselin (Collingwood, ON), racing in women standing, led the Canadian team taking second place for her career best World Cup finish.
“Overall a great day and I’m very pleased with my result today,” said a smiling Gosselin. “I was in third after the super-G and moved up to second with my slalom run, which I’m very excited about because I love slalom.”
Canada also grabbed two other podium places today with Kurt Oatway (Calgary, AB), competing in men sitting, and Kalle Ericsson (Kimberley, BC), with guide Sierra Smith (Ottawa, ON) racing in men visually impaired, both finishing in third place.
“Today’s Alpine Combined was fun,” said Oatway. “The SG run was very tight with the top 5 in the same second. I lost a bit of time in the SL but given the amount of training I’ve done in SL I’m happy with the result. There’s one more SG tomorrow and I’m looking forward to it!”
Katie Combaluzier (Toronto, ON) placed third in her slalom run to help her finish fourth in women sitting.
Next CANskiteam World Cup races: (link to FIS Calendar)
Para-alpine wrap-up in Steinach am Brenner (AUT) December 13
Ski cross race again in Val Thorens (FRA) on December 13
Men alpine race super-G and downhill in Val Gardena / Groeden (ITA) Dec 20 and 21
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