Featured Image: Manuel Feller racing at the Wengen World Cup slalom. Credit: GEPA/Mathias Mandl
Who is skiing, when and how to watch Sunday’s Kitzbühel Slalom
The men completed two fast, heart-pounding days of the Hahnenkamm-Rennen downhill in Kitzbühel and now the event is switching gears to slalom on the Ganslernhang. The hill is a challenging one because of its bullet proof surface, inconsistent terrain and rhythm changes, so the athletes have to bring their A-game.
Manuel Feller, skiing for Austria, has been a force in slalom this season. He has won three out of the four slaloms to date and continues to strive for further victories.
After his win in Wengen last week, Feller stated, “I’m in the shape of my life, the material is the best I’ve ever had.” He then thanked Atomic for his set up (“the material”).
Feller has won twice in slalom in his home country, the Gurgl World Cup (2023) and Flachau World Cup (2021). He is looking to bring his victorious momentum from the first half of the season into the Kitzbühel World Cup for his first win in the Hahnenkamm-Rennen event.
Close on Feller’s tail in Wengen were Atle Lie Mcgrath (+0.10) and Henrik Kristoffersen (+0.21). Kristoffersen has consistently achieved the top 10 in all slalom races this season, even securing a spot on the podium. Meanwhile, Lie McGrath has earned two podium finishes in 2024, along with an 8th-place result. Both athletes will compete fiercely to attain their first season victory on this slope.
Previously in the Hahnenkamm-Rennen slalom race, Britain’s Dave Ryding has found success. In 2023, Ryding finished in 2nd place, and in 2022 captured the victory. Three of the six top-3 finishes Dave Ryding has accomplished in his World Cup career have been in Kitzbühel; thus, the decorated skier will aim for victory again.
In Wengen France’s Clement Noel put down two stellar runs, but ended the day merely off the podium, finishing +0.23 back from Kristoffersen’s 3rd-place finish. This ignited a fire for the athlete, thus he will strive to get onto the podium for the second time this season.
Top Five 2024 Men World Cup Slalom Standings
North Americans
The leading North American for slalom World Cup rankings is Stifel US Ski Team athlete Benjamin Richie. Richie is ranked 31st in the rankings heading into the Kitzbühel World Cup. In the last two races, he has achieved two top-25 finishes, which marks five top-25 finishes for the athlete.
Alpine Canada Alpin athlete Erik Read is the only Canadian competing tomorrow who has World Cup points. He has achieved two top-25 finishes this season in Adelboden and Madonna di Campiglio.
Read has achieved one top 10 in slalom on the World Cup circuit, which was on this hill in 2017, earning 7th place.
River Radamus had a commendable finish in Adelboden, achieving a 19th-place result. This finish boosted the Stifel US Ski Team athlete who has only kicked out of ten World Cup slaloms.
The North Americans had a challenging start to the 2024 season, but with these recent top 30 finishes, the men have more momentum heading into this World Cup. Each racer will battle to earn points in Kitzbühel.
North Americans Racing Sunday, January 21st, Kitzbühel World Cup Slalom
- Bib 30, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
- Bib 37, Jett Seymour, Stifel USST, SSWSC, University of Denver, Fischer, One/Way
- Bib 39, Luke Winters, Stifel USST, Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK
- Bib 43, Benjamin Ritchie, Stifel USST, Green Mountain Valley School, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK
- Bib 49, Liam Wallace, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers, University of Alaska Anchorage, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
- Bib 60, Justin Alkier, ACA, National Ski Academy, Middlebury College, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
- Bib 70, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
North Americans with 2024 Slalom Points
About Kitzbühel
Nestled in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps, Kitzbühel, or “Kitzbichi” as the locals affectionately call it, maybe a small Austrian town, but its fame transcends its size. Boasting a population of around 8,000 residents, this Tyrolian gem transforms into a winter wonderland, drawing ski enthusiasts from far and wide. When the snow melts, Kitzbühel undergoes a magical metamorphosis, becoming a sought-after destination for hiking and vacations during the warmer months.
One of the town’s prominent features is the majestic Kitzbüheler Horn, which rises to 6548 feet (1996 meters). Gazing upon this natural marvel from the tranquil Schwarzsee, a popular summer bathing spot beyond Kitzbühel, provides a breathtaking panorama. The town’s rich history adds another layer of intrigue, with its first documented mention dating back to the 12th century. From being part of Upper Bavaria in 1255 to its intermittent allegiance to Tyrol or Bavaria, Kitzbühel found its permanent home in Austria in 1815. During every season, Kitzbühel delivers with its alpine charm and history as diverse as its landscapes.
When and How to Watch the Kitzbühel World Cup Slalom
The men start at 1:30 a.m. PST, 2:30 a.m MST, and 4:30 a.m EST, and 10:30 CET.
In Canada, sports enthusiasts can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports
In the USA, the men’s World Cup races in Kitzbühel will be available for viewing live and as a replay on the Peacock streaming service.
First Run Start List and Program for the January 21st Kitzbühel World Cup Slalom
Click on images to download
Program for the January 21st Kitzbühel World Cup Slalom
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
