Reece Howden (center of picture) is in a class of his own in Innichen.

The record winners on the Haunold are unstoppable.

The Ski Cross World Cup in the Three Peaks Dolomites region concluded on Sunday with two victories for the favorites. Record champions Sandra Näslund (Sweden) and Reece Howden (Canada) were unbeatable on Innichen's local mountain under ideal conditions both on and off the slope.

21 December 2025

From: pm

After his triumph on Saturday, Reece Howden was once again the man to beat on Sunday. A role that didn't faze the 27-year-old and one he more than lived up to. The Canadian crossed the finish line first in every heat – including the final, which he won ahead of Florian Wilmsmann (Germany), Evan Klufts (France), and Alex Fiva (Switzerland).

Howden was not only delighted with his fourth victory in Innichen, making him the men's record holder at the South Tyrolean ski cross classic: it was his 21st overall victory in the World Cup.

Reece Howden was once again unyielding.

“To be honest, I’m a little relieved, because it was a real challenge both physically and mentally. It was especially tough physically. I’m not feeling at 100 percent right now, especially my legs haven’t fully recovered after all the running. But I’m very happy that I was able to win both races here. The course in Innichen was incredible this year,” Howden said at the finish line.

Deromedis disappoints

Former world champion Simone Deromedis was the best Italian finisher, coming in 16th place, with Dominik Zuech from Lana finishing two places behind him. "That was a weekend to forget for me. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get going at all. Today (Sunday, editor's note) didn't start too badly with the qualification for the quarterfinals, but wearing the yellow jersey on the far outside meant I had no chance," said Deromedis.

Zuech, however, was able to find some positives in the home stage. "I'm absolutely satisfied with Saturday; today could have gone better. Generally, I'm very fast in the qualifying rounds, while I have a few problems in the heats. But that will sort itself out," explained the 29-year-old from South Tyrol.

Näslund's eighth victory in Innichen

In the women's competition on Sunday, there was no getting past Haunold queen Sandra Näslund. The 29-year-old Swede celebrated her eighth victory in the Three Peaks Dolomites region, the 43rd individual win overall in her unparalleled career. Like Howden in the men's race, Näslund was unbeatable in all her heats on Sunday. In the final, she held off Daniela Maier (Germany) and Fanny Smith (Switzerland), who finished second and third respectively. The winner of Saturday's race – France's Marielle Berger Sabbatel – finished in fourth place.

Sandra Näslund (right) feels completely at home in Innichen.

“I was a bit tired today, especially my legs. Nevertheless, I’m very happy with my runs and incredibly pleased with the win. It was really fun here in Innichen,” said Näslund at the finish. Jole Galli (Livigno), the only Italian to qualify for the final, finished in 15th place. She was eliminated in the quarterfinals.