Marielle Thompson has started another ski cross season the way she finished the 2023-24 World Cup campaign – on top.
Thompson made it 32 victories among her 68 medals on the circuit with Thursday’s win in the women’s big final over Switzerland’s Fanny Smith at Val Thorens in Savoie, France. Daniela Maier earned bronze.
“It was tough racing out there. That final was pretty exciting,” said the two-time Olympic medallist from Whistler, B.C.
On March 23, the 32-year-old topped the women’s standings for a fourth season, tied for the all-time lead.
She recorded six victories, defeating Marielle Berger of France in the final race of the season in Idre Fjäll, Sweden.
WATCH | Thompson topples Smith for season-opening win:
Marielle Thompson won her 28th career World Cup ski cross race, this time in Bakuriani, Georgia, and fellow Canadian Brittany Phelan claimed the silver.
India Sherrett, from Cranbrook, won Thursday’s small final over Mylène Ballet–Baz of France, while Ottawa’s Hannah Schmidt was fourth.
Toronto’s Kevin Drury was top Canadian on the men’s side, placing third in the small final behind Italy’s Simone Deromedis and Florian Wilmsmann of Germany.
Reece Howden of Cultus Lake, B.C., with two Crystal Globes on his resume, placed fourth.
There are 18 races on this season’s schedule, including Craigleith, Ont., with the world championships March 22 and 23 in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
WATCH | Drury picks up big final bronze in Val Thorens:
Toronto’s Kevin Drury finished third while teammate Reece Howden of Cultus Lake, B.C., finished fourth, in the season-opening event at the Val Thorens ski resort in Savoie, France.