Jared Goldberg Kitzbühel Streif GEPA Photos

Who is racing in Kitzbühel, when, and how to watch the men’s World Cup Streif downhill on Friday, January 19th.

Kitzbühel World Cup Downhill: Streif Showdown with Odermatt – North American Legends, Past Winners, and Global Skiers in a Thrilling Alpine Experience!

Get ready for the heart-stopping Kitzbühel World Cup downhill on the iconic Streif, a tradition since 1931 that tests the world’s best skiers. From the World Cup’s debut in 1967, the Kitzbühel Races have drawn top talents, creating ski racing history on an extremely challenging slope.

The Kitzbühel Streif

Imagine the Streif, a name that echoes through the ski racing world. This Saturday’s official Hahnenkamm downhill promises intense action, but Friday’s race is a complete preview that includes the entire Streif. The top of the course, highlighted by the daunting Mausefalle and Stellhang, sets the tone for a course filled with technical challenges and high-speed sections. At the bottom of the course, the Hausberg begins a dangerous journey to the Zielsprung finale, a breathtaking jump with speeds approaching 90 mph, leading to a finish arena buzzing with 60,000 fans.

Surviving the Streif is an achievement that earns racers respect for their courage. Leading the pack is Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, aiming to conquer the formidable course after finishing second in 2022. Keep an eye on Stifel US Ski Team’s Jared Goldberg, who secured a career-best 4th in last season’s Friday downhill claimed by Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr.

World Cup Downhill Leaders

In the World Cup Downhill standings, Odermatt is at the forefront, with France’s Cyprien Sarrazin and Italy’s Dominik Paris in close pursuit. Sadly, defending season downhill champion Aleksander Aamodt Kilde is sidelined due to injury, creating an opportunity for rising star Stifel US Ski Team’s Bryce Bennett to shine.

This season’s downhill series witnessed thrilling victories – from Bryce Bennett’s triumph to Dominik Paris’s veteran prowess. The season also includes Cyprien Sarrazin’s Bormio victory and Odermatt’s recent double victory in Wengen, solidifying his status as the best male skier globally.

As Kitzbühel traditionally inspires the Austrian spirit, Vincent Kriechmayr and teammates may surprise. However, Odermatt and Sarrazin’s recent dominance hints at an intense battle on the Streif. Brace yourselves for heart-stopping moments!

Top six 2024 season men’s World Cup downhill standings

Success on the Streif

The rich history of the Kitzbühel World Cup downhill is studded with legendary achievements. In the inaugural 1967 World Cup, France’s Jean-Claude Killy etched his name in the annals of skiing history, clinching victory in all three events – downhill, slalom, and combined, a feat that set the bar high for future contenders.

USA’s Buddy Werner was the first North American to win the Hahnennkamm downhill while skiing the Streif in 1959, seven seasons before the World Cup existed.

Meanwhile, Canadians left an indelible mark on the Streif during the early ’80s. Ken Read in 1980, Steve Podborski in 1981 and 1982, and Todd Brooker in 1983 secured four consecutive victories, showcasing the dominance of Canadian talent on this challenging course.

Fast forward to 2003, and the spotlight shifted to the US Ski Team as Daron Rahlves conquered the Hahnenkamm downhill. However, weather challenges led to a shortened course, adding an extra layer of complexity to Rahlves’ remarkable win. Notably, his triumph remains a testament to the resilience and skill of the American skier on the iconic Streif.

Stepping into the American spotlight, Bode Miller’s prowess shone with three downhill podium finishes. Miller secured second place twice and claimed two victories in the Hahnenkamm combined event, etching his name alongside Rahlves on the prestigious Kitzbühel “gondola” cars.

Combining Werner’s, Rahlves’ and Miller’s achievements adds a distinctive American touch to the storied legacy of the Kitzbühel World Cup downhill. Add the recently retired Stifel US Ski Team’s Travis Ganong’s 2023 Hahnenkamm downhill third-place finish, and the North American success becomes undeniable.

Fifty-seven skiers from ten countries will participate in the Friday, January 19th World Cup Kitzbühel Streif downhill. Switzerland has the largest number of athletes racing, with ten.

North Americans 2023

In last year’s Friday Kitzbühel World Cup downhill on the iconic Streif, 13 North American men took on the challenging course. This season, the number has slightly reduced to 10. Jared Goldberg, representing the Stifel US Ski Team, showcased his speed, securing the fastest North American time and an impressive fourth-place finish.

Regrettably, the other two North American top-ten finishers from the 2023 season will not be competing. However, there were still points scored by Canadian World Championship bronze medalist Cameron Alexander, finishing in 19th place, and two-time World Cup winner Stifel US Ski Team member Bryce Bennett, who crossed the line in the 29th position.

The excitement continued in the Hahnenkamm downhill the next day, where Canadians Brodie Seger and James Crawford made their mark, contributing to the North American presence on the international skiing stage. The dynamic performances of these athletes add an extra layer of anticipation to this season’s Kitzbühel World Cup downhill.

North American men with 2024 World Cup Downhill Points

North Americans who are racing the Friday, January19th, Streif Downhill in Kitzbühel.

• Bib 4, Cameron Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 6, Bryce Bennett, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Fischer, Level Gloves
• Bib 9, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 11, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Stifel USST, Mt Mansfield Ski Academy, Cochran’s Ski Club, HEAD
• Bib 25, Jared Goldberg, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Educational Foundation, Rossignol, LOOK
• Bib 32, Sam Morse, Stifel USST, Carrabassett Valley Academy, Fischer, TOKO
• Bib 38, Brodie Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 46, Kyle Negomir, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 50, Wiley Maple, USA Independent, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, SYNC, Atomic, Oakley
• Bib 54, Jeffrey Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves

Kitzbühel information

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.

How to watch the Friday, January 19th Kitzbühel men’s World Cup Streif downhill

The men start at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time and 2:30 a.m. Pacific Time, 11:30 CET.

In Canada, sports enthusiasts can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports

In the USA, the women’s World Cups in Kitzbühel will be available for viewing live and as a replay on the Peacock streaming service.

Start list and race program for Friday, January 19th, Kitzbühel men’s World Cup downhill

Click on the start list and program to download

Race program for Friday’s January 19th, Kitzbühel men’s World Cup downhill