Super six earn World Cup spots after standout European Cup showing

After a standout European Cup season, six athletes have earned their reward in the form of a spot on the World Cup circuit next season.

Among them is Chiara von Moos (SUI), whose dominant showing across 10 stops consisted of six wins and four other podium finishes. Her individual and team gold at the FIS Junior World Ski Championships only adds to the shine that has been the last few months.

The 20-year-old Swiss finished top of the European Cup standings with 1,127 points, head and shoulders above her closest competitor.

Mathilde Brodier (FRA) took second place on 855 points, while Katharina Huber (GER) completed the top three with 740 points.

On the men’s side, Germany took a one-two finish with Simon Hackl top of the standings. His five podium finishes, including one win, gave him 728 points, ahead of teammate Till Hugenroth (GER), who accumulated 642 points. Noah Lubasch (SUI) was third with 577 points.

The six will feature on the World Cup circuit next season, when they will compete alongside the world’s top ski cross athletes.

For some of them, such as von Moos, it will not be their first taste of World Cup competition. But making the step up to the elite circle will still be a test of their skills and mettle.

“I would say the competition is stronger and the courses are more difficult,” she said.

Said Switzerland head coach Enrico Vetsch: “As always, when athletes come up from the Europa Cup, the first year is about getting to know all the World Cup tracks. The initial goal is to qualify and get into their first heats at this level.

“From there, it’s about progressing step by step and staying healthy throughout the season. With all these new venues, there’s a lot to take in, and they need time to adapt to everything that comes with a first World Cup season.

“The tracks and features in the Europa Cup are not quite the same as in the World Cup — everything is bigger, faster, and more technical here. So it’s a different level, and they need to adapt, especially tactically. The most important thing is that they stay healthy and progress step by step.”

Added Germany head coach Peter Stemmer: “The step from Europa Cup to World Cup is a big one, but we are ready to support them.

“These three (Huber, Hackl, Hugenroth) have shown that they can win competitions — and that’s what elite sport is all about.”

On the Swiss squad, Vetsch is also confident in what his new charges bring to the table.

He said: “Chiara and Noah bring fresh energy into the team, and that’s always good for the group. Chiara had a fantastic Europa Cup season, really dominating the women’s field and also winning gold at Junior Worlds — that’s very impressive and shows her consistency.

“Noah also had a strong season, especially coming back from a tibia fracture. To finish third overall in his comeback season is impressive, and I’m really happy to have both of them stepping up to the World Cup.”

As much as tougher terrain and stronger fields await these six athletes on the World Cup next season, they know it is a golden opportunity to improve while competing against the best.

Said von Moos: “I’m looking forward to training with all the Swiss athletes. I want to improve my skiing and gain more experience.

“I will still focus on conditioning during the summer, and I’m already excited for the next season.”