The years go by and the same for Swiss skicross in Arosa. As in 2022 and 2023, no Swiss athlete managed to get on the podium in the atypical World Cup race in Graubünden. Under the spotlights and in a sprint format, the best hopes rested on the spatulas of Saskja Lack in particular, brilliant 1st in qualifying.
But after winning their 8th and their quarter-final, the Saint-Galloise did not emerge from their semi-final unscathed. During this run, Saskja Lack was at fault by placing her ski on that of Fanny Smith. The two Swiss skiers fell. If the Villars athlete was able to get up, this is not the case for Saska Lack who seemed to be hit in the shoulder and who had to be evacuated, without being able to participate in the small final.
Fanny Smith stops, Sandra Näslund absent
A small final during which Fanny Smith, limping, just took the start to secure 7th place before giving up on continuing her run. The Canadians won the hat-trick on the Grisons track. Marielle Thompson, who took off in the general classification, won ahead of India Sherret and Hannah Schmidt.
Note that this event took place without Sandra Näslund. The Swede suffered a fractured tibia in Val Thorens during the first stage of the season. The Olympic champion, who had already missed almost the entire last winter, will have to wait between 10 and 12 weeks before returning to competition. Her dreams of a fifth Crystal Globe are dashed this winter, but she could be back just in time for the World Championships in the Engadine at the end of March.
Ryan Regez reassures himself
No more success for men. However, Ryan Regez’s clenched fist. after his 6th place will remain as the beautiful Swiss image of the evening. The Olympic champion was reassured after twice missing qualifying for the final series in Val Thorens. The Bernese also signs his best performance since his return to competition a year ago, which followed a major injury to his left knee.
Starting on the outside, Alex Fiva, winner at Vol Thorens, was unfortunately unable to overcome the pitfall of the quarter-finals. The other Swiss skiers were eliminated earlier in the competition. Tobias Baur, Marc Bischofberger and Noah Lubasch were eliminated in the round of 16, while Romain Détraz was among the athletes eliminated in the first playoffs in the 16th round.
Canada also dominated the men’s race with the victory of Reece Howden ahead of Italian Simone Deromedis and Swede David Mobaerg.
JT
