Ski cross star Reece Howden back on top of the podium with World Cup win

Canada's Reece Howden (10) competes during the men's ski cross qualifying at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

KOPAONIK — Canada’s Reece Howden overcame recent disappointments to race to victory Saturday at a World Cup men’s ski cross event.

Calgary’s Howden finished ahead of Germany’s Florian Wilmsmann and France’s Youri Duplessis Kergomard to pick up his record 23rd World Cup men’s ski cross victory.

Howden leads the overall World Cup men’s ski cross standings with 743 points, followed by Wilmsmann at 574.

He is seeking his second straight Crystal Globe as overall champion, and fourth overall.

Howden is back atop the podium after a disappointing showing at the Milan Cortina Olympics, where he failed to advance out of the quarterfinals, and a disqualification in Friday’s final.

He dedicated his win to teammate Kevin Drury, who finished second but sustained what appeared to be a season-ending injury in a crash in Friday’s race. Drury had previously said his 10th World Cup season will also be his last.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 28, 2026.

The Canadian Press