Cultus Lake’s Reece Howden is on top of the world.
After a winning weekend at World Cup event, the 22 year old is number one in the International Ski Federation (FIS) ski-cross standings.
Howden hit the course at the Val Thoren Ski Resort Sunday and Monday, and found the altitude to his liking. Located in the French Alps, it is the highest ski town in Europe at 2,300 metres, and the Canadian national teamer soared to his best finish of the 2020 season.
On day one, Howden finished second overall behind Jonathan Midol of France, who is 10 years older.
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On day two, Howden competed in the final heat with Midol, Francois Place (France) and Ryan Regez (Switzerland). He got off to a strong start, leaving Midol and Place in his wake. He waged battle with Regez through the bottom stretch of the course, and held off the Swiss skier by a tenth of a second for his second career World Cup win.
“The race went really great,” he said. “Yesterday I did well, too, but today I was able to clean up a few spots that I was lacking in yesterday and it worked out! My starts were fast and I was feeling really good today.”
Howden picked up 80 Cup points Sunday, and 100 Monday, giving him a total of 225 for the season. He leap-frogged Sweden’s David Mobaerg (190) for first place heading into the holiday break.
The next highest Canadian is Zach Belczyk, ranked No. 15 with 75 points. Veteran Kevin Drury is ranked No. 20 with 61 points.
Howden’s previous World Cup win came last January on the slopes of the Nakiska Ski Resort in Kannanaskis, Alberta.
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