Crans Montana GEPA pictures
Who is racing, when and how to watch the Saturday, February 17th, Women’s World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami skied into victory today, clinching her first downhill win of the season and snatching the active skier lead from Austria’s Stephanie Venier. In an exciting showdown, Gut-Behrami’s triumph not only propelled her to the forefront of the downhill standings but also injected new excitement into the upcoming races. However, despite her stellar performance, she still trails behind the sidelined Sofia Goggia of Italy by 41 points, leaving room for a thrilling chase for the top spot in tomorrow’s event.
Gut-Behrami isn’t just making waves in downhill; she’s dominating the slopes across multiple disciplines. With leads in giant slalom, super-G, and the overall standings, she’s poised to potentially clinch three event titles and earn her second season’s overall championship. Her relentless pursuit of World Cup glory has been fueled by her exceptional skill and unwavering determination, but it’s also been aided by the misfortunes of her closest competitors.
The race for the DH title
Yet, the race for the downhill title is far from over. With three high-stakes races left on the calendar, including tomorrow’s showdown in Crans-Montana, the battle for the event globe is reaching a new level. The margins are thin, with Gut-Behrami and three other formidable contenders separated by just 46 points. Every run, every turn, and every decision will be pivotal as these elite athletes vie for downhill glory.
Among the contenders nipping at Gut-Behrami’s heels are Austria’s Stephanie Venier, with 287 points, Cornelia Huetter, also from Austria, boasting 273 points, and Switzerland’s very own Jasmine Flury, the reigning World Champion. Their presence ensures that the competition remains fierce and unpredictable, promising fans a thrilling spectacle right up until the final race in Saalbach, Austria, at the season’s downhill finale on March 23rd.
With the stage set for another exhilarating downhill showdown, anticipation is running high in the world of alpine ski racing. Will Gut-Behrami maintain her momentum and solidify her position at the top? Or will her challengers rise to the occasion and upset the standings? One thing is certain: as the clock ticks down to tomorrow’s race, the excitement and intensity will only continue to build. Stay tuned for what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the thrilling saga of alpine skiing excellence.
Top-ranked women downhiller of 2024
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Austria leads the pursuit of the women’s downhill Nations Cup standings, closely followed by Italy and Switzerland. However, with Goggia sidelined, it impacts the Italian team’s standing, intensifying competition for supremacy.
Women’s downhill Nations Cup standings
In the ongoing Nations Cup downhill competition, Austria continues to hold the top spot. However, Switzerland is making significant strides, narrowing the gap between them and Austria while also surpassing Italy in the standings. This shift highlights Switzerland’s growing strength and sets the stage for a thrilling battle between these alpine powerhouses.
Meanwhile, the United States maintains its position in fourth place, demonstrating consistency despite stiff competition from other nations. Interestingly, Canada, despite not having any racers attending, manages to cling to the ninth spot. It’s worth noting that only 12 nations have athletes who have scored downhill points, underscoring the elite nature of the competition.
The competition for the top three spots in the Nations Cup is heating up, with the leading teams now separated by just 76 points. This slim margin underscores the intense rivalry and the high stakes involved as each country vies for supremacy on the downhill circuit. As the tension mounts, every point earned becomes crucial in determining the ultimate victor in this prestigious competition.
Stifel US Ski Team
The leading North American contender on the Stifel US Ski Team, Jacqueline Wiles, delivered a solid performance today, earning 13th place. Despite her strong showing, she slipped one spot in the season’s standings and now holds the 11th position. However, her ticket to the World Cup Finals downhill is all but guaranteed, boasting a comfortable season total with 144 points, while the two women tied for 25th have accumulated 55 points.
Unfortunately, Isabella Wright, her teammate, faced a setback in her quest for a spot in the finals. Unable to complete the course today, she dropped from 26th to 27th place. Nevertheless, with only four points separating her from the two tied at 24th position, a standout performance tomorrow could significantly bolster her chances of achieving the season’s goal of qualifying for the downhill finals.
At just 21 years old, Lauren Macuga is making waves in her second season on the World Cup circuit. Despite facing the challenge of overtaking ten competitors to secure a spot in the finals, she’s been showcasing impressive skills in recent races. Today marked her career’s second-best World Cup downhill result, signaling her potential to make a breakthrough in the remaining races before the finals selection.
Tricia Mangan, another member of the Stifel US Ski Team, faced disappointment as she failed to finish today’s race. With only two races left before the finals selection, the pressure is on Mangan to deliver standout performances. She’ll need to achieve two career-best results or secure a podium finish in either first or second place to keep her hopes alive for a spot in the prestigious downhill finals. The other teammate who will start tomorrow is Allison Mollin, who skied her first World Cup race today, and tomorrow will be her second.
North American Women with 2024 Season World Cup Downhill Points
North Americans Entered in the Saturday February 17th Crans-Montana World Cup Downhill
- Bib 21, Isabella Wright, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, Atomic, Level Gloves
There are 47 skiers representing 12 countries on Friday’s downhill start list for the February 16th Crans Montana race.
Get ready for an intense showdown in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, as the Stifel US Ski Team’s top athletes take on the world’s best. With every race crucial in the battle for downhill supremacy, the excitement is high as they aim for victory. Watch live on Saturday, February 17th, to see who will come out on top in this thrilling competition.
Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana is nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, a world-class ski resort established by combining Crans and Montana. With expansive 140-kilometer trails and 24 ski lifts, Crans-Montana is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels.
Located on a plateau above Sierre, approximately 1,500 meters, Crans-Montana offers breathtaking views of the Valais Alps, including the majestic Weisshorn. It hosted the 1987 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships, and in 2027, the spotlight will once again shine on Crans-Montana as it prepares to welcome the world’s best again.
When and how to watch
The women’s downhill starts at 4:30 am Eastern Time, 1:30 am Pacific Time and 10:30 CET.
In the USA, the women’s World Cup downhill in Crans Montana will be available live and as a replay on Ski & Snowboard Live.
In Canada, the race can be viewed on CBC Sports
Start List and Race Program for Saturday, February 17th, Cran-Montana Women’s World Cup Downhill
Click on the start list and program to download
Program for Friday, February 16th, Cran-Montana Women’s World Cup Downhill
About the Author: Peter Lange
