Canadian ski cross stars are ready to launch their next FIS World Cup campaign.
The first round of races for Marielle Thompson and her teammates will occur Dec. 12 and 13 in Val Thorens, France. After that they're off to Arosa, Switzerland on Dec. 17.
Many eyes will be on Thompson, a four-time Crystal Globe winner and one of the sport's most decorated athletes. She'll be looking to add to her 67 World Cup medals (eight of them clinched in Val Thorens) en route to what might be a fifth season title.
"I’ve raced at the World Cup in Val Thorens since we started racing there in 2012. I’ve had a roller coaster of results on the track," Thompson said in a press release. "I really like the natural flow and layout of the course, winning four times. The racing is often quite tight and feisty since everyone is trying to prove themselves at the start of the World Cup season. I’ve been on the losing side of some hard-fought battles as well.
"It’s an amazing atmosphere to race in because the people love ski cross thanks to their local legend Jean Fred Chapuis, and the community really seems to band around the event."
Don't forget about Reece Howden, who has two Crystal Globes to his name. The Chilliwack resident finished second in men's overall rankings last year and remains one of Canada's top threats.
The 2024-25 World Cup ski cross season will encompass 18 races at 10 locales including an anticipated new stop in Val di Fassa, Italy. Gudauri, Georgia and Craigleith, Ont. have returned to the schedule, and the World Championships are slated for March 22 and 23 in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
