Naeslund and Duplessis-Kergomard seal victory in Veysonnaz

Sandra Naeslund (SWE) and Youri Duplessis-Kergomard (FRA) delivered standout performances in Veysonnaz on Friday, each securing victories in fiercely contested FIS Ski Cross World Cup finals.

Duplessis-Kergomard earned his first World Cup win of the season in the men’s competition, while Naeslund continued her historic dominance in the women’s field, claiming her 44th career World Cup victory, the most by any athlete, male or female.

Duplessis-Kergomard ends Howden’s winning run

The men’s big final produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the season so far. Reece Howden (CAN) appeared on course for a fourth consecutive World Cup victory after leading early, but Duplessis-Kergomard surged through the final rollers, carrying superior speed to execute a decisive late overtake.

Reflecting on the move that sealed victory, Duplessis-Kergomard explained that patience was key.

Howden finished second, bringing his three-race winning streak to an end while still collecting his 34th career World Cup podium. The Canadian continues to hold the highest podium percentage of any male athlete in World Cup history.

Behind them, the battle for third was marked by contact between Tobias Baur (SUI) and David Mobaerg (SWE). Mobaerg lost a ski and dropped to the back of the field, while Baur recovered impressively to secure third place.

The result marked Baur’s second podium of the season and his first World Cup podium on home snow in Veysonnaz, making him just the second Swiss man to reach the podium at the venue.

Naeslund holds firm under pressure

In the women’s final, Naeslund once again proved untouchable from the start, exiting the gate first and winning every heat of the day. Daniela Maier (GER) remained close throughout the final and applied sustained pressure, forcing Naeslund to defend her lead after a small mistake.

Maier finished second, recording her third runner-up result of the season, after pushing Naeslund all the way to the finish.

Behind them, Katrin Ofner (AUT) edged out Anouck Errard (FRA) in a tight battle for third. Ofner secured her first World Cup podium since 2023 and the 14th of her career, while Errard finished fourth, marking her first-ever appearance in a World Cup final.

Current Standings

Men’s Competition:

1. Reece Howden (CAN) – 433

2. Youri Duplessis-Kergomard (FRA) – 281

3. Simone Deromedis (ITA) – 260

4. Johannes Aujesky (AUT) – 226

5. Florian Wilmsmann (GER) – 225

Women’s Competition:

1. Sandra Naeslund (SWE) – 560

2. Daniela Maier (GER) – 369

3. Fanny Smith (SUI) – 334

4. Marielle Berger Sabbatel (FRA) – 322

5. Mylène Ballet-Baz (FRA) – 205

The FIS Ski Cross World Cup continues with a second day of racing in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, on 24 January 2026, followed by two races in Val di Fassa, Italy, on 29–30 January 2026.