Howden lifts Crystal Globe on home snow as Tomasoni, Naeslund win in Craigleith

Reece Howden (CAN) secured his fourth Crystal Globe without getting out of the gate on Sunday, Sandra Naeslund (SWE) extended her lead atop the standings with victory, and Federico Tomasoni (ITA) celebrated his first World Cup win in an eventful day at Craigleith.

In the day’s opening heat, Simone Deromedis (ITA) finished third behind top qualifier Evan Klufts (FRA) and Erik Mobaerg (SWE), effectively ending this season’s men’s Crystal Globe race.

The Olympic champion had started the day on 608 points, 264 points adrift of Howden (872 points). And his 1/8-final exit meant that Howden could not be overtaken regardless of his result on Sunday and despite two races to come in Gallivare next week.

"I’m just really grateful having such an amazing team that’s kinda been able to foster the athlete I’ve become," said Howden. "It’s just so fortunate growing up with guys like Christopher Del Bosco, Kevin Drury, it’s made a huge difference turning me into the skier that I am today.

Howden finished third in the last quarter-final, losing the battle but winning the war. His teammates Kaleb Barnum (CAN), in his eighth World Cup appearance, and Kristofor Mahler (CAN) ensured that the hosts would be well represented in the men’s big final.

One-two finish for big final debutants Tomasoni and Barnum

Olympic silver medalist Tomasoni and 21-year-old Barnum finished one-two in their World Cup big final debut. Mahler completed the podium at his home ski club, with David Mobaerg (SWE) fourth.

Barnum last after Intermediate 1, fought his way to a podium finish, crossing the finish line 0.41 seconds after Tomasoni.

Barnum had an enjoyable outing too.

"My teammates, friends and family here, I’m having the greatest time and I’m just so excited," he said. "I played to my strengths for sure. I don’t have the greatest starts. I just tried to carry some speed through the bottom, make a few passes, just a little bit time on track and having a great time is what clicked."

For Mahler, who made his World Cup debut in 2015, results like this are worth the wait.

"I’ve been searching for a while. Skiing has been there, but this sport can be ups and downs, little things make big differences. I was able to put it together today, so it’s super special," he said.

"I’ve always done better at home. I have a World Cup win at home. This is where I grew up skiing. Family and friends at the finish line, it’s definitely the most special feeling in the world."

Naeslund bounces back in dominant fashion

Like Tomasoni, Naeslund completed a wire-to-wire victory in the women’s big final. She finished 0.17 seconds ahead of Marielle Berger Sabbatel (FRA). Fanny Smith (SUI) took third a further 0.09 seconds adrift, while Jade Grillet Aubert (FRA) was fourth in a race that did not feature any overtaking.

Naeslund, who did not race on Saturday as she did not finish in Thursday’s qualification, won all her races on Sunday.

Daniela Maier (GER), the only competitor with a mathematical chance of winning the women’s Crystal Globe, won the small final ahead of Saskja Lack (SUI), Talina Gantenbein (SUI), and Hannah Schmidt (CAN).

Schmidt’s younger brother Jared Schmidt (CAN) won the men’s small final. The French trio of Alexis Jay (FRA), Klufts, and Nicolas Raffort (FRA) settled for sixth, seventh and eighth respectively.

The FIS Ski Cross World Cup continues with two races in Gallivare, Sweden from 28-29 March 2026.