Marco Odermatt / GEPA pictures
Odermatt Opens With a Historic Win
Marco Odermatt continued his charge toward history with a powerful victory in Beaver Creek. If he secures the Downhill Crystal Globe this season, he will become the first skier to win three or more Globes in three of the four Alpine disciplines.
The Swiss star, who entered Beaver Creek as last year’s super-G champion and runner-up in the downhill, demonstrated the power, confidence, and mastery that have propelled him to 47 World Cup victories. Known more for his technical skiing than pure gliding, Odermatt gained critical time where it mattered most, navigating a track shifting in and out of shadow with clean, committed lines.
Reflecting on his breakthrough downhill win, he said, “Yeah, it’s a first victory in the downhill, so very excited for that. It was for sure a little bit different than other years… for me, a perfect race, a very, very good steep part. And yeah, it was just nice to ski here again.”
Cochran-Siegle Shines for the Home Crowd
Ryan Cochran-Siegle delivered the performance of the day for the American fans, charging to second place and producing one of the best U.S. downhill results on this hill in more than a decade.
“For an American kid growing up, Birds of Prey is always such a special event. Performing in front of the American crowd today, I was just trying to ski,” he said.
Cochran-Siegle brought momentum from his strong super-G in Copper Mountain, where he knew he had winning speed despite a late mistake. He carried that belief into Beaver Creek.
“I was just trying to go out and knowing I’ve had days where I was close, not quite there, and just trusting that,” he said. “Being present with my skiing allowed me to actually ski with speed and put myself out there.”
Inside Cochran-Siegle’s Run
He explained the technical demands of the hill:
“Try to skate like hell out of the start. My top splits are usually not the fastest… getting into that right foot before Brink, just minimizing the drag… then after that I felt like I was getting in my rhythm, feeling the skiing, feeling the terrain sticking to my line. I feel like I did a good job carrying speed, especially through Pumphouse.”
Sejersted Earns Career-Best Beaver Creek Result
Norway’s Adrian Smiseth Sejersted rounded out the podium in third, delivering smooth, composed skiing for his best-ever finish on Birds of Prey.
“It’s definitely a little bittersweet to be missing that last part. I think it’s one of the most fun sections,” he said. “But the fact that the whole crew and the race organizers rallied to make something happen is amazing.”
His error-free lines through the shortened track kept him competitive from top to bottom and firmly placed him among the top contenders.
Top Three Breakdown
Marco Odermatt (SUI) — 1:29.84
Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA) — +0.30
Adrian Smiseth Sejersted (NOR) — +0.69
Kilde Marks a Measured but Promising Return
Today also marked Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s long-awaited return to downhill racing, nearly two years after his season-ending crash. The Norwegian approached the day with controlled confidence, choosing stability over risk.
“I told myself to give myself a little bit of a margin, and so I did,” he said. “I can’t be more satisfied with the feeling I had in the finish.”
Kilde admitted he still lacks the edge needed to win but was encouraged by how competitive he felt while skiing in control.
“I’m only 1.3 behind and basically skiing with full control,” he said. “I know I’m not there to win yet… but I show some speed and I show some confidence and we can build on that.”
North Americans Inside the Top 30
Three North Americans scored World Cup points:
- Cameron Alexander (CAN) — 10th (+1.27)
- Brodie Seger (CAN) — 15th (+1.48)
- Bryce Bennett (USA) — 28th (+2.20)
Alexander’s Strong Return
Canada’s Cameron Alexander delivered a confident run in his first downhill back from injury, finishing tenth. He called the performance “a step in the right direction” and emphasized the importance of patience as he rebuilds his race form.
“I know physically I’m in great shape, but I know I’m skiing really well too. Now I just have to go do it,” he said.
He noted that the shortened course made the race slightly less intense than usual, but his clean, composed approach showed that he is on track to return to the top of the field.
Seger Reflects on Expectation and Momentum
“Last year this race went really well for me. I was bib 49 and skied to my first top 10 with 10th place, so I felt a little expectation on myself this year. I just wanted to wipe the slate clean, enjoy the course, and get back to that feel.”
— Brodie Seger
Bennett Looks Ahead After a Tough Day
“It went terribly. The top part of my line looked strong, but it’s just not quite there. I’ve been tinkering with equipment a lot, and switching back to an old setup last night was tough, but I think I have a good idea moving forward and we’ll figure it out.”
— Bryce Bennett
Momentum Builds for Beaver Creek Super-G
After an action-packed downhill opener, the stage is set for an electrifying super-G tomorrow. The top athletes showed speed, resilience, and clean execution on a challenging Colorado track, and now they move into a discipline where milliseconds decide everything.
With Marco Odermatt looking to extend his dominance, Ryan Cochran-Siegle aiming to keep the home-crowd momentum alive, and rising threats like Austria’s Eichberger and Norway’s Sejersted pushing the limit, fans can expect a tight, thrilling battle in the Rockies.
Top 30 results
Analysis of the top three and Other North Americans among the top 30
About the Author: Katie Twible
