Howden and company vow not to let up as Olympics loom

A big week which started with the confirmation of Milano Cortina 2026 ski cross entries intensifies as Val di Fassa hosts the last World Cup stop before the Olympic Winter Games.

With the World Cup season reaching the halfway mark, the physical toll on athletes has been immense. But skiers bound for Milano Cortina 2026 are determined to give everything they have for the upcoming races.

FIS Ski Cross World Cup leader Reece Howden (CAN), who is bidding for a fourth Crystal Globe, said: “The biggest mistake people can do is to try to save something for the Games.

“The best thing you can do for the Games is come in hauling, keep skiing fast, and stay there, and that’s the plan.

“I’m not one for saving something, it’s not the kind of sport we have.

“If you’re on top, try your best to stay there because the more training you get, the more heats you get, the better shape you get.

Howden won the 24 January final in Veysonnaz, a day after finishing second behind Youri Duplessis-Kergomard (FRA).

’At the peak of my career before the Games’

Duplessis-Kergomard was on Monday named on Team France men’s roster for Milano Cortina 2026 alongside Evan Klufts as well as grand cousins Melvin and Terence Tchiknavorian. And he wants to build on his first World Cup win of the year ahead of his Olympic debut.

“Once I’m in the race, it’s really about the present moment, not the future, not the past,” said the 29-year-old, third in the Crystal Globe race.

“The goal is to give everything in the moment and keep full commitment, because the best way to make mistakes is actually to hold back.

Tough Thompson ready for demanding course

Four-time Crystal Globe winner Marielle Thompson (CAN) also returned to the podium in Veysonnaz, where she competed in her first heats this year following her comeback from an injured knee.

“I didn’t have a goal other than racing when I felt ready and my knee felt good as well,” said the 33-year-old, who enjoyed a win here last season.

“My approach remains the same, just being as prepared as possible with my workouts and making sure my body feels strong and ready.”

The 1,100-meter-long Val di Fassa course will demand power and precision. With a vertical drop of 160 meters, jumps of up to 30 meters and high-speed sections, competitors can expect to race at over 100km/h.

Home advantage

It is a venue that Jole Galli (ITA) and Simone Deromedis (ITA) know well.

The Park Monzoni slope is the official training ground of the Italian Ski Federation (FISI) national teams.

Reigning Italian champion Galli expects a physical test this weekend, with “interesting overtaking”.

She claimed her first World Cup victory here last season, when Val di Fassa made its competition debut. Deromedis finished second that same day and is still looking for his first World Cup win on home snow. He has featured at 13 World Cup races in Italy without winning in his home country — the most times he has raced in a single country without emerging victorious.

“Racing in Italy is always nice, especially here where I really feel at home,” said the 25-year-old, second in the Cup standings. “The biggest advantage is going to be the good home food and the crowd cheering.”

The Val di Fassa World Cup races take place on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January.