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Downhill Run Recap: Early Leaders Emerge in Challenging Conditions
The Schneekristall/Zwölfer downhill course in Saalbach tested skiers with overcast skies, shifting fog, and warm temperatures. Salt was needed on the lower section to keep the track firm. Despite the conditions, downhillers attacked with power, precision, and bravery, flying over jumps at full speed and pushing the limits of control.
Florian Schieder of Italy 2 set the early pace with a 1:43.06, giving Tobias Kastlunger a solid starting position for the slalom. Adrian Smiseth Sejersted of Norway 2 followed just 0.08 seconds behind, setting up Timon Haugan for the second run. Maxence Muzaton of France 2 finished 0.16 seconds back, leaving Steven Amiez with work to do in the slalom.
Matthieu Bailet of France 4 crossed the line at +0.81. North American racers faced steeper deficits, with Brodie Seger +2.00 seconds behind, giving Erik Read a significant challenge in the slalom.
Switzerland Takes Control as Fog Forces First Hold
As more teams completed their runs, Alexis Monney of Switzerland 2 surged into the lead with a 1:42.09, pushing Italy 2 down the rankings. Dominik Paris of Italy 1 slotted into second at +0.46, while Schieder dropped to third at +0.97. Switzerland’s downhill strength was on full display, with Monney carrying speed through the tricky mid-course and attacking the final stretch.
Ryan Cochran-Siegle, the eleventh skier down, put in a solid run and left Ben Ritchie 1.26 seconds back heading into the slalom. Bryce Bennett struggled in the mid-course, finishing 3.02 seconds behind, creating a major gap for his slalom teammate Jett Seymour.
Just as Cochran-Siegle crossed the finish, fog rolled in, forcing a race hold. Visibility issues prevented the next skier from starting, delaying the competition.
With many teams still to go, the rankings remained temporary, and the battle for the first-ever Men’s Team Combined gold medal was far from decided.
Switzerland 2’s Lead Remains as Von Allmen Closes the Gap
After the delay, Nils Allegre of France 1 returned to the course. His slalom teammate, Clément Noël, the fastest slalom skier this season, faces a 1.15-second gap in the second run.
With 15 downhillers finished, Monney still held the fastest time, but newly crowned downhill world champion Franjo Von Allmen of Switzerland 1 came within 0.02 seconds, keeping his team in contention. Paris remained in third at +0.46.
Switzerland 1, featuring Von Allmen and Loïc Meillard, entered as pre-race favorites. Von Allmen’s performance strengthened their chances.
Austrian Crowd Erupts
As the Austrian teams raced, the home crowd erupted. Fans roared with every split, urging their skiers to challenge the Swiss. Vincent Kriechmayr, the downhill silver medalist, attacked the course but lost time in the middle section, finishing 1.31 seconds behind, leaving Manuel Feller with a difficult slalom task.
Daniel Hemetsberger followed with a more aggressive run, moving Austria 2 into fourth place. His effort left Fabio Gstrein 0.95 seconds back, giving his team a better shot at the podium.
As the excitement peaked, fog returned, forcing another hold after 18 racers. The Swiss still led, the Austrians were charging, and the crowd turned the race into a festival of noise and energy.
Final Downhill Standings Set Slalom Start Order
With all 36 teams finishing the downhill, the start order for the slalom is set. The slalom skiers will race in reverse top 30 order of the downhill standings, meaning the fastest downhill team will start 30th.
For North America:
- Ben Ritchie of USA 1 will start 19th, facing a 1.26-second gap.
- Erik Read of Canada starts eighth at +2.97.
- Jett Seymour of USA 2 starts seventh, needing to make up 3.02 seconds.
Second Run Preview: Slalom Skiers Look to Close the Gap
The final run now shifts to slalom, where precision will decide the first-ever Men’s Team Combined gold medal. The fastest combined time wins.
Key battles:
- Tanguy Nef (Switzerland 2) skiing last, trying to hold 0.02 seconds over Loïc Meillard (Switzerland 1).
- Alex Vinatzer (Italy 1) aiming to close 0.46 seconds.
- Fabio Gstrein (Austria 2) chasing 0.95 seconds.
- Timon Haugan (Norway 2) looking to erase 1.05 seconds and push his team onto the podium.
- Clément Noël (France 1) needing a perfect run to erase 1.15 seconds.
The pressure is immense. A clean run could secure gold, while any mistake could cost valuable time.
The race for history is about to begin.
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About the Author: Peter Lange
