Dominik Paris / GEPA pictures
The World Cup downhill season opens Thursday in Beaver Creek, moved one day earlier as organizers respond to an incoming winter storm. The finish has been moved higher up and the schedule shifted forward by a day, but two solid training runs on the shortened 1:35 track confirmed a hard, fast surface for the first downhill of the Olympic season.
Swiss strength sets the early pace
Switzerland enters as the nation to beat. Marco Odermatt, the reigning downhill globe winner, leads a deep group that includes Franjo von Allmen, Alexis Monney, Justin Murisier, and Stefan Rogentin. All five have the speed and experience required to challenge Beaver Creek’s demanding terrain, even in its shortened form.
Kilde returns to full speed
This race also marks the downhill return of Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, competing in his first World Cup downhill since January 2024. After easing back into racing last week in Copper Mountain’s super-G, Thursday becomes his true test — full commitment, full speed, and a track where he has won before.
Top-ranked starters bibs
bib 11 – Marco Odermatt (SUI) — Stöckli
bib 8 – Vincent Kriechmayr (AUT) — HEAD
bib 7 – Stefan Rogentin (SUI) — HEAD
bib 31 – Raphael Haaser (AUT) — Atomic
bib 14 – Franjo von Allmen (SUI) — HEAD
bib 43 – Fredrik Moeller (NOR) — Atomic
bib 15 – Dominik Paris (ITA) — Nordica
North American and British starters
Canada (5)
bib 12 – James Crawford — HEAD
bib 17 – Cameron Alexander
bib 29 – Brodie Seger — Atomic
bib 39 – Jeffrey Read — Atomic
bib 55 – Raphaël Lessard — HEAD
Stifel U.S. Ski Team (6)
bib 4 – Ryan Cochran-Siegle — HEAD
bib 19 – Bryce Bennett — Atomic
bib 47 – Jared Goldberg
bib 49 – Erik Arvidsson — HEAD
bib 50 – Kyle Negomir — Atomic
bib 53 – Sam Morse
Independent USA
bib 38 – Wiley Maple — Atomic
Great Britain
bib 61 – Roy-Alexander Steudle — Atomic
A decisive opener
Even in shortened form, the Stifel Birds of Prey downhill remains one of the most complete tests in men’s speed — gliding flats up high, steep pitches, powerful turns, heavy compressions, and the signature Eagle jump fully visible from the finish stadium. With only one downhill in Beaver Creek this year, athletes have one chance to establish early momentum as the Olympic season begins.
The World Cup’s first downhill always sets the tone. This one arrives with winter finally returning to the valley, a hard track, and a deep field ready to attack Beaver Creek at full speed.
How to Watch
The men take the hill on Thursday, Dec 4, at 1:15 p.m. EST / 10:15 a.m. PST
United States: Live coverage on Outside TV (free)
Canada: Stream on CBC Sports.
Great Britain: Both races air live on Discovery+ — 18:15 UK time.
Daily Program
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Stifel Birds of Prey Men’s Downhill Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
