Thompson looks to maintain perfect Montafon record

It has been over six years since Montafon last held World Cup Ski Cross races and its return as host is warmly welcomed by Marielle Thompson (CAN).

The four-time Crystal Globe winner has a perfect record at the Austrian valley: three wins from as many races, having also topped qualification in 2015, 2016 and 2019.

Victory for Thompson would ensure she has World Cup wins in 11 different seasons — equaling the record of Ophelie David (FRA) for most seasons with at least one World Cup triumph.

“My skiing has been getting better and better throughout the season so I just want to continue how I’ve been going and feel strong and smooth,” said Thompson, who returned to action this year at Veysonnaz following a knee injury.

Longevity and consistency are qualities that Sandra Naeslund (SWE) knows well. The 29-year-old is looking for her fifth Ski Cross Crystal Globe since she started competing on the World Cup circuit in 2012.

She leads the standings with 868 points, 145 points ahead of Daniela Maier (GER), with Marielle Berger Sabbatel (FRA) a further 145 points adrift.

Thompson’s dominance in Montafon and Fanny Smith’s (SUI) win here in 2017 when the Canadian did not race mean that Naeslund has yet to reach the top step of the podium at this venue after four attempts. Naeslund was third in 2017 and second in 2019 but Montafon, along with Are in Sweden, are the venues where she has raced the most times without winning a race.

The Swede arrives in great form, having won back-to-back races at Kopaonik. Men’s World Cup leader Reece Howden (CAN), who was also victorious on the last day at Kopaonik, noted that Montafon has some similarities to the Serbian venue — big jumps and big air.

Wilmsmann out for rest of season

He will be seeking to extend his lead atop the standings as Florian Wilmsmann (GER), in second place 169 points behind Howden (743 points), announced that his season is over. Simone Deromedis (ITA) is third on 516 points.

Wilmsmann achieved two podium finishes at Kopaonik, taking third then second with a torn ligament. He had injured his ankle from the big final crash on Friday but persevered to record a fourth consecutive podium finish, having won the opening Val di Fassa race before settling for second.

The German has since had surgery and will miss a race due to injury or sickness for the first time since he started competing in World Cup races in March 2016.

Howden made his World Cup debut in January 2018 but has yet to race in Montafon, the site of the 2027 FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships.

“I try to approach it with a pretty open mind,” he said of new venues. “I try to make sure I remember what’s coming when I’m on the track but I let my own intuition and instincts make decisions when it comes to what moves to make and how to come into features.

“Two training runs felt really great. I’m feeling pretty sweet. It should be a fun race.

The Montafon World Cup race takes place on Thursday 12 March.