Howden Reclaims the top step and Maier powers to victory in Veysonnaz

Jan 24, 2026·Ski Cross

Daniela Maier (GER) first, Sonja Gigler (AUT) second and Marielle Thompson (CAN). ©Frederic Dubuis

Reece Howden (CAN) and Daniela Maier (GER) claimed FIS Ski Cross World Cup victories on Saturday in Veysonnaz, delivering authoritative performances in the Big Finals as the countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games continues.

Howden returned to the top step in the men’s competition after narrowly missing out on victory the previous day, while Maier confirmed her strong form by securing her first win of the season in the women’s field.

Howden delivers under pressure

The men’s Big Final saw Howden seize control from the outset, exiting the gate in front and dictating the pace throughout the race. Tim Hronek (GER) mounted a determined late challenge, closing the gap in the final section, but Howden held his line to cross the finish first and claim the iconic cowbell awarded to the Veysonnaz winner.

Reflecting on his performance, “cowboy” Howden said he was determined to learn from Friday’s race and bring a cowbell home.

I totally emptied the tank today. Yesterday I felt like I lost a bit of focus in the bottom section, and I wasn’t going to let that happen again. It’s unreal to have this kind of consistent success, and I’m really grateful that I can ski my best heading into the Games.– Reece Howden

Hronek finished second, earning his first podium of the season and the sixth of his career, his first since 2023. The German was satisfied with both his result and the broader momentum within the team.

Today everything came together really well, and now I’m already looking forward to the Olympics. And I’m really happy for Dani (Maier), I’ve known her a long time, so this is very special.– Tim Hronek

Melvin Tchiknavorian (FRA) completed the podium in third, securing his first podium of the season and the third of his World Cup career, while also delivering a second podium for French men this weekend. Despite the Olympic implications, Tchiknavorian kept his focus firmly on the present.

I didn’t have the podium in mind as a way to qualify for the Olympics. I’m just taking it day by day, race by race, that was my mindset before the start.– Melvin Tchiknavorian

Simone Deromedis (ITA) finished fourth after remaining in contention throughout the final. Earlier in the day, Friday’s winner Youri Duplessis-Kergomard (FRA) crashed triggering his airbag, ending his hopes of repeating his victory. The Swiss team narrowly missed the podium, with Tobias Baur fifth and Olympic champion Ryan Regez eighth.

Maier dominates as Naeslund misses the podium

In the women’s Big Final, Daniela Maier produced a flawless run to claim her first World Cup win of the season and the fifth victory of her career. Starting third out of the gate, the German athlete surged through the field with trademark speed, dubbed the “Dani turbo” powering past her rivals to take the win. As the top-seeded athlete of the day, Maier’s performance confirmed her return to great form.

I was really happy that it finally worked. Yesterday was very tight, and today I felt maybe a bit too relaxed at first, but I was on point and very strong. It was perfect and gave me a lot of confidence heading into the Olympics.– Daniela Maier

Sonja Gigler (AUT) finished second, reaching the podium for the first time this season, marking an impressive comeback following injury. Her lightning-fast starts were key to her result.

The last few years have been hard with rehab. To be back, to push myself mentally and go into contact with the other girls in the heats, I think it’s step by step, and I like it.– Sonja Gigler

Marielle Thompson (CAN) secured third place, continuing her return to form following knee surgery.

In December I was kind of getting going and starting to feel a bit more like myself, but today I really felt strong and pretty fast. Every day I’ve been getting better and better, so I’m really happy with how I skied today. To land on the podium, I’m just so pumped.– Marielle Thompson

Sandra Näslund (SWE) finished fourth, marking her first race this season without a podium finish. The overall World Cup leader struggled to find her usual rhythm and was unable to attack the course features with her trademark precision.

Olympic Focus

With quota spots confirmed and available here, the Swiss and French NOCs are expected to announce their teams next week ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, making the Veysonnaz races particularly significant for athletes from both nations.