Reece Howden beats hometown favourite for 3rd ski cross victory of World Cup season
Cultus Lake, B.C., native defeats Italy's Simone Deromedis in Val di Fassa
Canadian ski cross racer Reece Howden reached the medal podium for a second consecutive week, earning the victory Sunday over Italy's Simone Deromedis in the men's big final in Val di Fassa, Italy.
Howden beat Japan's Ryo Sugai across the finish line and took the final place on the podium last week in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, where Deromedis prevailed.
"Today's racing was wild. I don't know if I've experienced a ski cross track race like this," Howden told the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). "There's so much opportunity [and] I was skiing fast today [but] it didn't matter.
"If I was a little back at the start or made a mistake, there was always time to get in the draft and make some moves."
Howden conceded he didn't have a plan beyond racing.
"I think that's probably a good mentality to have," he said. "This is far from ideal conditions but the volunteers did a great job."
WATCH | Howden posts win over hometown favourite Deromedis in Italy:
Sunday was the native of Cultus Lake, B.C.'s third win of the season and first since defeating Alex Fiva, of Switzerland in Innichen, Italy in late December. Deromedis was third that day.
Howden's first gold medal of the season came earlier in December in Arosa, Switzerland.
Ryan Regez of Switzerland claimed bronze in Val di Fassa.
Edmonton's Abby McEwen was fourth in the women's big final on Sunday won by Jole Galli of Italy.
WATCH | Full replay coverage of Sunday action from Val di Fassa:
