Italian Finish area Zermatt-Cervinia downhill GEPA pictures/Mario Buehner-Weinrauch

Following the initial run on the new Zermatt-Cervinia downhill track, both staff and athletes gave positive feedback. Due to wind, the FIS had to lower the start of the training, reducing the course time by around 20 seconds. The snow was grippy and slower on the Swiss glacier section, but it picked up speed once the course entered the artificial/natural mix of snow in Italy. As anticipated, skilled gliders had an advantage. Notably, and as expected on an unknown course, many skiers missed gates, particularly at the bottom of the first pitch on the Italian side.

Excitement fills the air as the Stifel U.S. Ski Men’s Speed Team eagerly enters the upcoming race season. They feel ready to perform and embrace the unknown thrill of a new race course. The season promises to deliver unforgettable moments and fierce competition on the snow-covered mountains.

Head men’s speed coach Burkhard “Burki” Schaffer

In a recent discussion with the coach, it’s evident that the team recently faced weather-related challenges in their training. Despite limited opportunities, they got one day of gliding in Sölden, starting above and passing the World Cup GS start, including a few steeper turns before stopping due to unfavorable conditions. However, the team’s resilience shines through, and the coach is satisfied with their physical condition. Experienced and younger athletes have maintained or improved their fitness levels, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming races.

Looking ahead to the race in Zermatt, the coach confirms the lineup, including athletes like Cochran-Siegle, Goldberg, Morse, Bennett, Arvidsson and Negomir. While there are no surprises in the roster, the team eagerly anticipates the event. The coach acknowledges the season’s early start challenges, particularly for younger athletes needing more speed experience and training. Despite these hurdles, the team is enthusiastic about the upcoming race and is eager to compete and prove their skills in the races.

The conversation also touches on the physical conditioning testing, revealing that the athletes have maintained or improved their previous numbers. Burkhard explains the positive outcome reflects their dedication and hard work during the summer. The coach’s confidence in the team’s physical condition and unwavering determination underscores their readiness to tackle the November World Cup downhill. Despite the early start, he and the team embrace the challenge, determined to excel in the upcoming races.

Sam Morse

Sam Morse’s confidence for the 2023-24 season is grounded in their meticulous preparation, which included ski training at venues like Ushuaia and Zermatt. These ski camps gave the team valuable on-snow experience, honing their skills and techniques for the upcoming season. In addition to ski training, the group underwent rigorous fitness assessments at the USANA Center of Excellence in Park City, Utah. During these evaluations, Morse achieved a career-best result on the bike test, showcasing his exceptional physical conditioning and readiness for the season’s challenges.

Reflecting on the team dynamics, Sam appreciates the valuable contribution of the Austrian experts, particularly Patrick Riml, Burkhard Schaffer, and Florian Scheiber, in elevating their team’s professionalism. Despite occasional cultural differences, the American downhillers have embraced the Austrian methods, fostering positive vibes within the team. Sam believes this collaboration will enhance their collective performance and camaraderie on the slopes.

As Morse gears up for the inaugural race on the Zermatt/Cervinia slope, he remains undeterred by the challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions in Europe. Alongside other teams, they have faced hurdles due to the erratic weather, creating a level playing field for all competitors. Despite these obstacles, Sam’s anticipation for the season’s first race is palpable, driven by the thrill of venturing onto a new race course—a blank canvas where he can showcase his skills and determination.

Jared Goldberg

Jared Goldberg’s confidence in his preparation for the 2023-24 season shines through despite the challenges. He reflects on their training experiences, including difficult giant slalom (GS) sessions in Pitztal and only a day of downhill in Sölden due to weather constraints. Despite these hurdles, Jared draws motivation from their successful September camp in Zermatt, where they had numerous outstanding training days. He acknowledges the common struggles teams face in the race lead-up, emphasizing the importance of the extra mileage gained during their preparations.

Regarding team chemistry, Goldberg notes the changes in dynamics as one of the older members. Despite this shift, he adeptly navigates the situation and recognizes the team’s increased professionalism due to each member’s differentiated roles. Their collective efforts and dedication have cultivated a positive atmosphere, enhancing their preparation.

Approaching the season’s first race on the new Zermatt/Cervinia slope, Goldberg feels relieved and eager to compete. The anticipation of racing on a new course energizes him, as it requires a higher level of effort during training runs. Unlike familiar courses, the novelty of the track adds to his motivation, making the challenge exciting and compelling.

Kyle Negomir

Kyle Negomir is brimming with confidence as he approaches the first races of the season. He emphasizes the team’s good fortune in securing exceptional training opportunities during the summer, contrasting that with the challenges other teams faced. This advantage leaves no room for excuses, ensuring their preparedness for the races. Despite the inherent uncertainties of the first race, Negomir acknowledges the team’s positive mindset, highlighting their eagerness to compete and prove their speed on the race hills.

Team chemistry plays a pivotal role in their preparation, and Negomir commends the atmosphere within the group. The blend of experienced veterans and enthusiastic young talents inject fresh energy into the team. Their collective positivity throughout their preparation reflects their readiness to hit the start gates. The anticipation of competing on the unique and unknown race course further fuels their determination, requiring a well-rounded downhiller to successfully navigate the gliding sections and jumps.

Negomir is excited about returning to racing, especially on a new venue where everyone, regardless of experience, starts on equal footing. As a young athlete entering his second full year on the tour, he feels a shift in perspective, with a better understanding of approaching World Cup tracks and managing race days. This newfound perspective enhances his confidence, making him eager to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s success on race day.

Erik Arvidsson

Indeed, as Erik Arvidsson approaches the first race on the new downhill course, he is exceptionally confident in his physical preparedness and skiing skills despite overcoming lingering back issues, attributing his improvement to the team’s dedicated training efforts. He reports the coaching staff’s strategic decisions resulted in an outstanding training camp in Zermatt, fostering a strong team spirit and determination among the athletes. Erik remains undeterred, with the first race being a guessing game, drawing on his extensive summer training sessions and high energy levels.

A mix of excitement and strategy marks Arvidsson’s approach to the new downhill course. Eager to explore the new race track, he plans to analyze each section, focusing on mastering the gliding sections and precisely navigating the technical challenges. His systematic approach involves studying the course layout, mentally visualizing the turns, and pinpointing the optimal lines to gain speed. Erik emphasizes the importance of adaptability, intending to stay open to experimentation during the training runs. Embracing a trial-and-error approach, he will test different techniques and lines, observing how his skis respond to the diverse terrain. Erik’s ability to adapt his skiing style to match the course’s unique features reflects his versatility as an athlete.

Furthermore, Erik’s mindset revolves around pacing himself effectively during the training sessions. Understanding the need to balance pushing his limits and conserving energy, he plans to build up his speed and confidence on the course gradually. By pacing himself, Erik hopes to gain valuable insights about the course’s challenges while ensuring he remains physically and mentally prepared for the race ahead. His thoughtful blend of strategy, adaptability, and resilience showcases his commitment to making the most of the training sessions and translating his efforts into a competitive edge during the race.

Ready to Race

As the Stifel U.S. Ski Team gears up for the races, athletes, including Sam Morse, Jared Goldberg, Kyle Negomir, and Erik Arvidsson, are confident in their preparation. With dedication, adaptability, and positive team dynamics, they eagerly anticipate the challenges of the new Zermatt-Cervinia downhill course. This sets the stage for an exciting and competitive 2023-24 season.