Canada's Reece Howden clinches 3rd career ski cross Crystal Globe with back-to-back wins

Canadian ski cross racer Reece Howden won the third Crystal Globe of his career on Sunday with a victory in the final men's World Cup race of the season in Idre Fjäll, Sweden.

Howden, who also took gold on Saturday, captured the overall title with 1,038 points after racing to seven wins and nine podiums across 17 events this season. He also has a silver and a bronze medal this campaign.

The 26-year-old from Cultus Lake, B.C., won Sunday's big final ahead of France's Youri Duplessis Kergomard and Italy's Simone Deromedis, respectively. Deromedis finished second behind Howden in the overall World Cup standings, 73 points back.

"The goal has been three Globes and while I haven't been able to go back-to-back, to do it in five years is amazing," said Howden. "There are a lot of ups and downs in this sport and having confidence is key.

"As I've matured, I know what I'm capable of and I'm able to move on from the bad days."

Howden also won the Crystal Globe in 2021 and 2023.

WATCH l Howden speeds to gold in final race of season:

Canada's Reece Howden wins final World Cup ski cross race, captures crystal globe

After racing from the front in his three heats today, Howden had to battle teammate Kris Mahler of Canmore, Alta., before a late pass gave Howden the win.

"There was no walking away with the Globe this season," said Howden. "It was a mental and physical battle the last few weeks of the season with the standings so tight and going through all the rounds keeping an eye on the other guys.

"It was amazing to be in the finals with Kris. He skied so well today it helped me relax a little having him there."

Mahler finished fourth for his best result of the season, while Ottawa's Jared Schmidt was 11th, Toronto's Kevin Drury