Jole Galli brought azure blue joy to Canada. © FISI

An Italian woman races onto the podium in Canada

Italy's ski cross athletes had reason to celebrate a podium finish at the World Cup in Craigleith, Canada, on Saturday afternoon.

March 21, 2026

From: never

Jole Galli celebrated a milestone: The 30-year-old ski cross racer stood on the podium for the tenth time in her career thanks to her third-place finish on Saturday in Craigleith. The athlete from Livigno battled her way through the quarterfinals and semifinals, ultimately being beaten only by the victorious Swiss skier Fanny Smith and Hannah Schmidt from Canada in the final.

In the men's competition, a well-prepared Federico Tomasoni emerged as the best Italian. He won the small final, equaling his best World Cup result. In the grand final, Frenchman Youri Duplessis Kergomard secured the victory, prevailing in a close finish against Canadian Jared Schmidt and Swede David Mobärg. Simone Deromedis and South Tyrolean Dominik Zuech, however, were eliminated in the round of 16, having each finished third in their respective heats.

The World Cup in Craigleith will conclude on Sunday with the second race, before the season finale takes place in Gällivare, Sweden, from March 27th to 29th.