Canadian women Thompson, Sherret, Schmidt sweep World Cup ski cross podium

A Canadian has won each of the first three ski cross races of the women's World Cup season but on Tuesday, Marielle Thompson of Whistler, B.C., had teammates India Sherret and Hannah Schmidt join her on the medal podium in Arosa, Switzerland.

Thompson pulled away from the group for her 33rd victory and 70th medal on the circuit.

"It's super special to be part of another Canadian sweep," she said. "Everyone is skiing super strong and hopefully we can keep this momentum going."

On March 16, the two-time Olympic medallist led the way in Veysonnaz, Switzerland with her fifth gold in a seven-race stretch. Brittany Phelan of Mont-Tremblant, Que., and Sherret of Cranbrook, B.C., collected silver and bronze.

The 32-year-old Thompson topped the women's standings a week later for a fourth season, tied for the all-time lead.

WATCH | Thompson records 2nd World Cup victory of young season:

She recorded six victories, defeating Berger of France in the final race of the season in Idre Fjäll, Sweden.

Five days ago, Thompson posted a season-opening win over Fanny Smith of Switzerland in Val Thorens, France.

Sherret was second on Tuesday after winning her second career women's big final last Friday in Val Thorens, France.

Ottawa's Schmidt held off Marielle Berger of France for third, following her victory in the women's small final in Val Thorens.

Edmonton's Abby McEwen was second in the women's small final behind Switzerland's Talina Gantenbein. Smith stopped after pulling out of the game and didn't finish the race.

In the men's big final Tuesday, Reece Howden of Cultus Lake, B.C., prevailed in a photo finish against reigning world champion Simone Deromedis of Italy.

"Everybody was fighting really hard," said Howden, who has two Crystal Globes on his resumé as overall season champion. "We kind of made it a tough for us with where we were in the brackets but we optimized it and had five Canadians in the two big finals."

WATCH | Howden posts narrow victory over Italy's Deromedis:

Howden dedicated his victory to a late friend.

"I had wanted to dedicate one of these wins to Carter Rushton from back home, one of our good friends that passed to bone cancer," he said.

Sweden's David Mobaerg was third ahead of Jared Schmidt of Ottawa.

The World Cup ski cross season continues with races Friday and Saturday in Innichen, Italy.