Featured Image: Sofia Goggia Altenmarkt-Zauchensee GEPA pictures/ Harald Steiner
The racers, schedule, and how to watch the Women’s Altenmarkt-Zauchensee World Cup Downhill on Saturday, January 13th.
The women’s World Cup downhill series is heating up, and all eyes are on Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Austria, for the next thrilling chapter set to unfold on Saturday, January 13th. With only two completed races so far due to weather disruptions in Zermatt-Cervinia, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.
Notably, there was an absence of racing action last season in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee. However, the anticipation is high for the upcoming race on Saturday, January 13th, as memories of the 2022 race linger. In that event, Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami claimed the coveted top spot, adding more excitement and nostalgia to this year’s edition of the women’s World Cup downhill in Austria. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown on the slopes where history was made just two years ago.
In the season’s first downhill at St. Moritz, Switzerland, Stifel US Ski Team’s Mikaela Shiffrin secured victory, showcasing her prowess with a total of 93 World Cup wins, though only four in the downhill discipline. Hot on her heels were the formidable Italian duo, Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone, trailing by a mere 0.15 and 0.17 seconds, respectively.
Next, in Val d’Isère, France, reigning World Champion Jasmine Flury took the top spot, with teammate Joana Haehlen closely behind (+0.22). Austria joined the podium, with Cornelia Huetter claiming third (+0.24), marking their first women’s downhill podium of the season. Notably, Shiffrin opted out, and she will also be absent in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee.
As the season unfolds, the title remains wide open with eight more downhills on the horizon. Sofia Goggia currently leads the World Cup downhill standings with 130 points, followed by Jasmine Flury at 113 and Cornelia Huetter with 110. The battle for supremacy is far from decided.
Top five ranked downhill women for the 2023-24 season
North Americans
North American contenders bring their A-game to Altenmarkt-Zauchensee. Stifel US Ski Team’s Isabella Wright stands at 20th place this season but has showcased her potential for a top 5 finish.
Stefanie Fleckenstein, the resilient Independent Canadian downhill skier, had been establishing herself as a regular scorer in the World Cup before facing an unfortunate setback. During a promising season, she endured a fall in the finish that resulted in a broken leg, requiring season-ending surgery. Despite her impressive performances leading up to the injury, she was the sole Canadian woman to compete in World Cup downhill races this season. Currently ranked 30th for the season, her undeniable talent and determination leave fans eagerly anticipating her return to competition in future seasons.
Jacqueline Wiles, a resilient Stifel US Ski Team member, faced a challenging recovery after missing all competitions in the previous season due to injury. Returning with determination, she made a noteworthy comeback in Val d’Isère, finishing in a commendable 25th place, and another one today, finishing the super-G in 21st place. Wiles showcased her determination to regain top form and signaled her journey back to peak performance.
Keely Cashman, another rising talent on the Stifel US Ski Team, shared a similar experience in facing race disruptions. In St. Moritz, the weather cut short her chance to compete, but in Val d’Isère, she made her mark with a 30th-place finish, earning a valuable point. Currently ranked 32nd in the season’s downhill standings, Cashman is on a trajectory to solidify her presence among the elite in alpine skiing.
With Altenmarkt-Zauchensee setting the stage for another thrilling downhill, the women’s World Cup promises fierce competition, unexpected twists, and a relentless pursuit of victory in this exhilarating skiing spectacle.
North American Women who have earned 2023-24 World Cup Downhill Points
North Americans entered for the Saturday, January 13th Altenmarkt-Zauchensee World Cup Downhill
- Bib 2, Isabella Wright, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, Atomic, Level Gloves
14 nations are being represented in the women’s race on Saturday, January 13th, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee downhill start list.
The women’s downhill starts at 10:45 CET, 1:45 AM PST, 2:45 AM MST and 4:45 AM EST.
In the USA, the women’s World Cups in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee will be available for viewing live and as a replay on the Peacock streaming service.
In Canada, sports enthusiasts can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports
Start list and Race Program for Saturday, January 13th, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee Women’s World Cup Downhill
Click on the start list and program to download
Race Program for Saturday, January 13th, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee Women’s World Cup Downhill
About the Author: Peter Lange
