Crans Montana GEPA pictures/Matic Klansek
Who is racing, when and how to watch the Friday, February 16th, Women’s World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Prepare for an exhilarating display of talent and determination at the Crans-Montana Women’s World Cup Downhill on Friday, February 16th. This event marks the first of three thrilling races in the stunning locale of Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
In the Women’s Downhill standings, Italian sensation Sofia Goggia, last season’s Crans-Montana winner, leads the pack, but a season-ending injury has dashed her hopes of defending her 2023 title. With Goggia sidelined, the spotlight shifts to Austrian Stephanie Venier, who now leads the active downhill racers by a slim margin of 52 points. However, Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami is hot on her heels, followed closely by Austrian Cornelia Huetter and Switzerland’s Jasmine Flury. The title race remains wide open, with only 81 points separating the top five active contenders and four races left.
Meanwhile, Gut-Behrami, fresh from seizing the overall standings lead, is set to compete in all three Crans-Montana races, giving her a golden opportunity to extend her lead significantly without the injured Mikaela Shiffrin.
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
North Americans
Among the North American contenders, Jacqueline Wiles of the Stifel US Ski Team stands out, currently ranked 10th for the season with impressive performances, including a podium finish in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Earning a nearly-certain invitation to the March World Cup finals, Wiles embodies the spirit of resilience and determination.
As the race for ranking positions heats up, athletes like Stifel US Ski Team’s Isabella Wright and her teammate Lauren Macuga are ready and able to make their mark, fueled by the prospect of qualifying for the prestigious finals in Saalbach, Austria.
Tricia Mangan, representing the Stifel US Ski Team, demonstrated her determination this season on the World Cup circuit. Mangan, currently ranked 44th with 3 points, has faced tough competition but continues to push herself to new heights. With her sights set on earning an invitation to the finals, Mangan is committed to raising her level of performance in the remaining races. Her teammate Keely Cashman is struggling with a back issue and is not racing.
Also, Stifel US Ski Team’s 19-year-old Allison Mollin will compete in her first World Cup. Mollin was 12th in the recent FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Chatel, France. She also participated in the Europa Cups in Crans-Montana before the World Cup. Regardless of the outcome, an athlete’s first World Cup is special.
North American Women with 2024 Season World Cup Downhill Points
North Americans Entered in the Friday, February 16th Crans-Montana World Cup Downhill
- Bib 3, Isabella Wright, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, Atomic, Level Gloves
There are 49 skiers representing 12 countries on Friday’s downhill start list for the February 16th Crans Montana race.
With only three regular-season downhills left, including Crans Montana, competitors are eager to shine and secure their invitation to Saalbach. The stakes are high; every race presents an opportunity to showcase skill and earn a coveted spot in the finals.
Take advantage of the action-packed showdown in Crans Montana, as athletes push their limits in pursuit of glory. After this weekend, only one regular season downhill race remains in Kvitfjell, Norway, on March 2nd. Get ready for heart-stopping moments and unforgettable
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 downhill 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 Friday, February 16th, Cran-Montana Women’s World Cup Downhill
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Program for Friday, February 16th, Cran-Montana Women’s World Cup Downhill
About the Author: Peter Lange
