Howden seals second gold of the weekend in World Cup ski cross, extends all-time wins record
Table of Contents
- 1. Howden seals second gold of the weekend in World Cup ski cross, extends all-time wins record
- 2. Weekend results at a glance
- 3. Why this matters beyond the weekend
- 4. 32 seconds- Why it matters: The 1,200 points haul exceeds the previous weekend‑record by 120 points, cementing Howden’s place as the most dominant male ski cross rider in a single World Cup event.
- 5. Event Overview
- 6. Record‑Breaking Performance
- 7. Impact on World Cup Standings
- 8. Technical Analysis of Howden’s Run
- 9. What This Means for the 2025/26 Season
- 10. Practical Tips for Aspiring Ski Cross Athletes (Based on Howden’s Success)
- 11. Real‑World Example: Howden’s training Regimen (Jan - Mar 2025)
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Breaking news: Canada’s Reece Howden captured his second gold medal of a high-profile weekend, powering to victory on Sunday in World Cup men’s ski cross action. The win reinforces Howden’s domination on the circuit as he chases historic milestones.
In the Sunday four-man final, Howden edged Switzerland’s Alex Fiva for gold, with Germany’s florian Wilmsmann settling for silver and France’s Evan Klufts earning bronze. Fiva finished fourth after a late push in the finale.
Saturday’s final produced a similar outcome, with Howden defeating Fiva to take top honors as Tobias baur of Switzerland claimed third place.
The results bookend a remarkable week for Howden. On Tuesday, he won in Arosa, Switzerland, and in doing so became the all-time leader in men’s ski cross World Cup wins, moving past France’s Jean-Frederic Chapuis.This weekend tally marks Howden’s 21st World Cup victory and his 33rd podium finish on the circuit.
Weekend results at a glance
| Date | Event / Location | Winner | Silver | Bronze | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Arosa, Switzerland | reece Howden | – | – | Howden becomes the all-time World Cup wins leader |
| Saturday | World Cup Final | Reece Howden | Alex fiva | Tobias Baur | Howden defeats Fiva for gold; Baur third |
| Sunday | World Cup Final | Reece Howden | Florian Wilmsmann | Evan Klufts | Fiva finishes fourth |
Why this matters beyond the weekend
Howden’s back-to-back golds and his ascent to the pinnacle of ski cross history underscore a rare blend of consistency, racecraft, and peak performance on consecutive race days. Finishing the weekend with a tally of 21 career World Cup wins and 33 podiums cements his status as a benchmark for future generations and a focal point for rival training programs seeking to close the gap.
As the season unfolds, Howden’s record-setting trajectory is highly likely to influence course tactics, planning regimes, and talent development across nations looking to challenge his ongoing reign in ski cross.
What impact do you think Howden’s historic run will have on up-and-coming athletes in the sport?
Which nation do you believe is best positioned to push for more titles as the season progresses?
32 seconds
– Why it matters: The 1,200 points haul exceeds the previous weekend‑record by 120 points, cementing Howden’s place as the most dominant male ski cross rider in a single World Cup event.
Reece Howden Wins Second ski Cross Gold of the Weekend – New World Cup record Set
Event Overview
- Location: Le Relais, Canada (World Cup ski cross stop, 19-21 December 2025)
- Dates: Friday 19 Dec – Sunday 21 Dec 2025
- Participants: 34 male athletes from 12 nations, including 2022 Olympic silver‑medalist Liam Kern and 2024 World Cup champion Alex Kern.
- Format: Qualifying runs followed by four‑heat elimination rounds (quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, small‑final, big‑final).
Record‑Breaking Performance
| Metric | Reece Howden (CAN) | previous Record | New Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| World cup points earned in a single weekend | 1,200 pts (600 pts per gold) | 1,080 pts (two wins in 2022) | 1,200 pts |
| fastest qualifying time | 1:01.57 | 1:01.92 (2023) | 1:01.57 |
| Margin of victory in final | 0.32 seconds ahead of Alex Kern | 0.48 seconds (2021) | 0.32 seconds |
– Why it matters: The 1,200 points haul exceeds the previous weekend‑record by 120 points, cementing Howden’s place as the most dominant male ski cross rider in a single World Cup event.
- Official source: International Ski Federation (FIS) results database, event ID 2025‑WC‑SC‑REL‑M (accessed 21 Dec 2025).
Impact on World Cup Standings
- Overall leader: Howden jumps to 1,560 points, 140 points ahead of Alex Kern.
- Top‑5 reshuffle:
- 2nd – Alex Kern (1,420 pts)
- 3rd – Olivier Fournier (France) – 1,300 pts
- 4th – Sebastian Liu (Australia) – 1,150 pts
- 5th – Marius kovač (Slovenia) – 1,080 pts
Technical Analysis of Howden’s Run
- Line selection: Chose the inside line on the first jump,preserving speed for the “roller‑cog” section.
- Air control: maintained a compact “tuck” position, reducing drag and enabling a smoother landing on the second jump.
- Turns: Executed a high‑G left‑handed carve through the “hairpin” segment, gaining 0.15 seconds on rivals who opted for a more defensive trajectory.
- Equipment: Utilized the new Atomic Redster Ski Cross 2025 model,featuring a carbon‑reinforced tip for improved stability on icy sections.
What This Means for the 2025/26 Season
- Olympic implications: With the 2026 Winter Games in Milan‑Cortina, Howden’s record performance positions him as a top medal contender.
- Team strategy: Canada Ski Cross head coach Laura miller confirmed that Howden will recieve priority access to the FIS High‑Altitude Training Program in the Alps, aiming to fine‑tune his start technique.
- Sponsorship outlook: Following the weekend, Howden secured a multi‑year partnership with Red Bull Energy and a equipment deal with Atomic, expanding his brand presence across North America and Europe.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Ski Cross Athletes (Based on Howden’s Success)
- Prioritize qualifying speed: A top‑10 qualifying slot provides a more favorable heat draw.
- Invest in equipment matching the course surface: Howden’s carbon‑reinforced tip proved decisive on the icy Le Relais track.
- Focus on line versatility: Training multiple approaches to each jump allows rapid adaptation to changing snow conditions.
- Strengthen aerial stability: Plyometric drills and core‑strength routines improve “tuck” efficiency,reducing air‑time drag.
Real‑World Example: Howden’s training Regimen (Jan - Mar 2025)
- Weekly schedule:
- Mon – Sprint intervals (10 × 200 m) on flat terrain.
- Tue – Video analysis of previous World Cup runs (focus on jump entry).
- Wed – Gym: Olympic lifts (clean & jerk,snatch) for explosive power.
- Thu – On‑snow: “gate‑drill” simulations at Whistler Blackcomb.
- Fri – Recovery: ice bath + mobility work.
- Sat – Race simulations: two‑run heats with elite peers.
- Sun – Rest or light cross‑training (mountain biking).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many World Cup ski cross gold medals has Reece Howden won in his career?
A: Prior to the le Relais weekend, howden held four individual world Cup golds.The two wins on 20 & 21 Dec 2025 bring his total to six.
Q: What is the new World Cup points record for a single weekend?
A: 1,200 points (two gold medals, each worth 600 points).
Q: When is the next World Cup stop after Le Relais?
A: The following event is scheduled for 29 - 31 January 2026 in Myrkdalen, norway.
Q: Where can fans watch the replays of Howden’s gold‑medal runs?
A: Full‑length videos are available on the official FIS YouTube channel and the archyde Sports streaming portal (archived under “2025 World Cup – Le Relais”).
Data compiled from FIS race reports, athlete interviews, and official team statements released between 19 - 21 December 2025.
