To kick things off: Italy's emotional double victory

The Ski Cross World Cup kicked off in Val Thorens (France) with a surprising Italian one-two finish.

11 December 2025

From: dl

Simone Deromedis was unbeatable in Val Thorens, just as he had been the previous year. The Trentino native secured his sixth World Cup victory, with his teammate Edoardo Zorzi finishing second. The 29-year-old also benefited from the crash of Frenchman Melvin Tschiknavorian in the final. Youri Duplessis-Kergomard, also from France, finished third.

“I dedicate this victory to my late grandfather and Edoardo Zorzi. He so richly deserved this podium finish. The entire team is in top form this year,” Deromedis explained in the winner's interview. While the 25-year-old is Italy's great hope for the upcoming Olympic Games on home soil, Zorzi has never finished higher than eighth in the World Cup.

The only South Tyrolean competitor, Dominik Zuech, was eliminated in the round of 16, finishing third in his heat. The ski cross racer from Lana will get another chance on Friday at the second World Cup race in Val Thorens. Yanick Gunsch from Vinschgau, however, failed to qualify for either day.