‘I waited for this win in the World Cup for a long time’ – Simone Deromedis wins first Ski Cross World Cup in St Moritz

Italy’s Simone Deromedis pulled off a gutsy win in the FIS Ski Cross World Cup for his maiden victory.

The 23-year-old was crowned world champion last year but had never previously won a World Cup event.

Deromedis beat out home hope Alex Fiva of Switzerland, with Youri Duplessis Kergomard of France in third.

“I was feeling good the past weeks after a tough beginning of the season,” Deromedis said. “Summer training was tough and everything, but now I felt like I was back in shape, so I was releasing all the doubts I have on myself.

“It feels good. I waited for this win in the World Cup for a long time. I was close the past two years and it feels pretty good.”

Reece Howden of Canada finished fourth to cut the deficit to World Cup standings leader Jared Schmidt to 22 points.

Fellow Canadian Schmidt finished 49th in St Moritz, while France’s Terence Tchiknavorian, currently third in the overall standings, was 16th.

In the women’s event, Marielle Thompson of Canada claimed gold having won all of her races.

She was joined on the podium by compatriot Hannah Schmidt who finished third, just behind Fanny Smith of Switzerland as her team-mate Saskja Lack was forced to settle for fourth place in the final.

Schmidt leads the overall standings by 49 points from France’s Marielle Sabbatel Berger who was disqualified in St Moritz.