Sölden finish arena: GEPA pictures

Sölden Men’s World Cup GS: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch

The Men’s 2024-25 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season is set to kick off on October 27th with the highly anticipated men’s Giant Slalom in Sölden, Austria. As always, this race sets the stage for the upcoming season, where the world’s best skiers will compete for early bragging rights.

Marco Odermatt’s Near-Perfect GS 23-24 Season

All eyes focus on Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, who dominated last season’s men’s GS races. He won nine straight GS events before a rare mistake in the Saalbach World Cup Finals ended his perfect GS season. Odermatt led after the first run in Saalbach but skied out during his second, just missing a flawless campaign. His unmatched consistency still secured the GS title by 432 points over his Swiss teammate Loic Meillard. Odermatt’s focus and ability to perform under pressure make him the favorite heading into Sölden.

A Challenging Start in Sölden

A year ago, high winds canceled last season’s men’s Sölden race mid-event, cutting short an exciting first run. The weather shut down the ski lift, leaving fans and athletes disappointed. Everyone hopes for better conditions this year, as this race plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the season.

Austria’s Hopes and Hirscher’s Potential Return

After last year’s struggles, Austria aims for a strong GS showing this season. Their top skier, Marco Schwarz, suffered an injury after just three GS races and will miss the 2024 Sölden as he recovers. Despite his shortened season, Schwarz finished seventh in the Overall World Cup and GS standings, showcasing his exceptional talent and underscoring the challenges Austria faced without him.

Hirscher Returns to World Cup Racing Under Dutch Flag

Marcel Hirscher, the eight-time overall champion, is back on the World Cup circuit after five seasons away. He will compete under the Netherlands’ flag, representing his mother’s native country. The new wildcard rule, designed for former superstars, allows his return. Backed by Red Bull, Hirscher’s team has top-tier support, ensuring no compromises. Starting just outside the top 30, Hirscher joins the race with all eyes on him and Marco Odermatt during the first run.

Top 10 Men’s GS World Cup Start List

Seventy-four men from 23 nations will start the men’s World Cup GS in Sölden on Oct. 27, with Norway leading the field with nine qualified athletes on the start list.

C. Mitter (NOR) will set the first run, and F. Munier (USA) will set the second run.

U.S. Racers to Watch

The Stifel U.S. Ski Team brings several strong contenders to Sölden. River Radamus, ranked 13th on the World Cup Start List (WCSL), is coming off a breakout season that included his first World Cup podium in Palisades Tahoe. He looks to build on that momentum and establish himself as a consistent podium threat in the new season.

Veteran Tommy Ford, ranked 28th on the WCSL, remains the only current U.S. male GS skier to have won a World Cup GS race. After a challenging season last year, Ford will be aiming to tap into his experience and return to his top form at Sölden.

Independent U.S. racer Patrick Kenney from the Global Racing Team will compete in Sölden, but teammate George Steffey will sit out due to a nagging injury. Kenney, ranked 49th on the World Cup Start List (WCSL), scored World Cup points last season, setting him apart from many competitors. Although he is outside the top 30 in the WCSL, his starting position will rely on his FIS points. Kenney, a former University of New Hampshire skier, will start with bib 45 and look to climb the field to make an impact.

Isaiah Nelson, starting 53rd, will represent the U.S. alongside Bridger Gile, who returns from a back injury and will start 59th.

Cooper Puckett’s World Cup Debut Awaits

There’s exciting news for a young Stifel U.S. Ski Team member: Steffey’s withdrawal opens the door for World Cup rookie Cooper Puckett to debut among the world’s best. The recent Dartmouth racer must be thrilled to have this opportunity. Puckett will compete with bib 61.

North American Men in the Top 60 of the World Cup GS Start List

Canadian Independent Contenders

Two independent racers will represent Canada in Sölden, competing without official funding from Alpine Canada Alpin.

Erik Read, now skiing with World Racing Academy, is the group’s veteran leader, has struggled recently but still shows potential. He has a history of qualifying for four consecutive GS World Cup finals. He is also ranked 35th on the WCSL. However, Read will start based on his FIS points since he falls outside the top 30. A University of Denver graduate, Read he will start 46 in Sölden.

Jaime Casselman, another Canadian member of World Racing Academy, is a Montana State University Bobcats and is another strong contender. He will start 64th.

These racers are determined to overcome their start positions and leave their mark in Sölden, drawing on their valuable World Cup and collegiate experience.

North American men racing GS in Sölden

• Bib 13, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, SYNC Protection
• Bib 24, Tommy Ford, Stifel USST, Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, HEAD
• Bib 45, Patrick Kenney, USA, Global Racing, University of New Hampshire, Burke Moutain Academy, Marker/Völkl, SYNC, SHRED
• Bib 46, Erik Read, CAN World Racing Academy, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic
• Bib 53, Isaiah Nelson, Stifel USST, Buck Hill Ski Team, SHRED
• Bib 59, Bridger Gile, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, HEAD, Oakley
• Bib 61, Cooper Puckett, World Cup Rookie, Stifel USST, Dartmouth College, SSWSC, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, SHRED
• Bib 64, Jamie Casselman, CAN Montana State University, Team Panorama

How and When to Watch

The first run starts at 5:00 a.m. Eastern and 2:00 a.m. Pacific time, with the second run following at 8:00 a.m. Eastern and 5:00 a.m. Pacific.

U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a replay on Peacock.

Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.

Daily Program and First Run Start List

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Start List