Thrilling Downhill Action: Wengen World Cup Racers, Standings, and How to Watch

Top of Wengen Lauberhorn downhill GEPA pictures/Mario Buehner-Weinrauch

Who is racing, when, and how to watch the Thursday, January 11th World Cup shortened downhill in Wengen, Switzerland

Wengen’s Lauberhorn ski races are spectacles that trace their beginnings back to 1930. In the winter of 1966/67, these iconic races found a permanent home within the prestigious FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. Renowned as unique, the ski run at Wengen stands as the longest race in the Ski World Cup, challenging the endurance of elite skiers at the most demanding level. As Wengen continues hosting historic events, the legacy of the Lauberhorn ski races lives on, captivating athletes and spectators alike.

Prepare for an adrenaline-packed skiing spectacle as the Men’s World Cup makes its way to Wengen, Switzerland, on Thursday, January 11th. This event kicks off four days of intense men’s racing, featuring the Replacement Downhill, a makeup race for the canceled Beaver Creek, Colorado, race on December 2nd.

The downhill action will begin from the lower start, sharing the same starting point as the super-G. While the whole course from the top is the longest in the World Cup, starting from the super-G shaves off over half a minute, adding a unique element of excitement to the competition.

2023 Success

Last season, the shortened downhill in Wengen was claimed by Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, with Swiss sensation Marco Odermatt securing the second spot.

This season, weather woes plagued the first three scheduled downhills, leading to a reshuffle of the race calendar. The Val Gardena/Gröden downhill on December 14th, a replacement for one of the canceled Zermatt-Cervinia races, saw Stifel US Ski Team’s Bryce Bennett clinching victory.

The second downhill held on the full Val Gardena/Gröden Saslong course, was a triumph for Italy’s Dominik Paris, while the consistent Kilde secured the second position. Bennett once again found himself on the podium, claiming third place..

Bormio, Italy, hosted the third downhill on the Stelvio, dominated by two men, France’s Cyprien Sarrazin, narrowly beating Switzerland’s Odermatt. Canadian Cameron Alexander was third. Notably, North American skiers have graced all World Cup downhill podiums this season, injecting excitement into the competition.

Odermatt leads the downhill standings with a 16-point advantage over Kilde and Bennett. The top six, separated by only 54 points, showcases the fierce competition, with the season title still up for grabs. Odermatt will start with the coveted red bib, signifying his status as the season’s downhill discipline leader.

After the first three downhills, two North Americans are among the top six in the season’s discipline standings

Among the North American contenders, Bennett stands out, securing podium positions in the first two downhills. Other notable names include James “Jack” Crawford, the reigning World Champion in super-G, ranked 6th, and Cameron Alexander, who clinched downhill bronze at the 2023 World Championships and secured third place in the recent Bormio downhill, earning him a 9th place ranking.

Also, Jared Goldberg and Ryan Cochran-Siegle are in the mix, representing the Stifel US Ski Team. Goldberg achieved his season’s best downhill result in Val Gardena/Gröden, finishing 11th, and currently holds the 17th rank. With previous success on the Bormio course, Cochran-Siegle aims to bounce back after a scoreless 2024 Stelvio downhill, currently positioned 20th.

Independent USA’s Wiley Maple, making a remarkable return from retirement, impressed fans with a career-best 12th-place finish in his first race back, securing the 28th rank with only one World Cup race this season.

Rounding off the list of North American achievers are Canada’s Jeffrey Read at 44th and Stifel US Ski Team’s Kyle Negomir at 46th, earning valuable World Cup downhill points in the 2023-24 season.

With the Wengen Downhill setting the stage, brace yourselves for more heart-stopping moments and unpredictable twists in the quest for downhill glory. The season is far from decided, promising fans a dramatic journey through the icy slopes of the Men’s World Cup.

North Americans who have scored 2024 World Cup DH points and their rank

North Americans who are racing the January 11th Beaver Creek Replacement Downhill in Wengen.

• Bib 2, Bryce Bennett, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Fischer, Level Gloves
• Bib 13, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 16, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Stifel USST, Mt Mansfield Ski Academy, Cochran’s Ski Club, HEAD
• Bib 18, Cameron Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 19, Jared Goldberg, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Educational Foundation, Rossignol, LOOK
• Bib 33, Sam Morse, Stifel USST, Carrabassett Valley Academy, Fischer, TOKO
• Bib 41, Brodie Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 50, Kyle Negomir, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 53, Wiley Maple, USA Independent, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, SYNC, Atomic, Oakley
• Bib 57, Jeffrey Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
• Bib 60, Kyle Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 64, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves

Sixty-four athletes representing 13 nations will race Thursday’s January 11th World Cup downhill in Wengen.

About Wengen

Nestled at an elevation of around 4,200 ft., the quaint village of Wengen is located above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This traditional Swiss settlement, with its Victorian hotels and charming chalets, provides a relaxed atmosphere that captures the essence of a picturesque mountain village.

With its breathtaking views and drenched in sunshine, Wengen is an ideal spot for visitors seeking a tranquil retreat. The village has become a beloved retreat for affluent British visitors, drawn year after year to its alluring charm. With its allure and proximity to the lake and Interlaken, Wengen caters to a diverse range of tastes.

For those seeking adventure, Wengen serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region, a special place for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. The iconic Eiger north face, renowned as one of the world’s most challenging climbing faces, can be observed from the vantage point of Kleine Scheidegg. Dating back to 1893, the car-free village has been seamlessly connected to Lauterbrunnen through the Wengernalp Railway, providing convenient access to the heart of the Jungfraujoch region.

Taking an excursion becomes a seamless journey from Wengen, with the option to witness the awe-inspiring Eiger north face or travel further to the iconic Jungfraujoch. For those inclined to explore further, the Schilthorn summit awaits, accessible via Mürren or Stechelberg from the enchanting valley floor resort of Lauterbrunnen. In Wengen, the journey is as special as the destination, making it an irresistible stop for both seasoned travelers and first-time visitors.

Start Times and How to Watch

The Beaver Creek replacement downhill in Wengen, Switzerland, starts at 6:30 am Eastern Time and 3:30 am Pacific Time, Thursday, January 11th, 2024

Viewing the race

In the U.S., you can watch the race live and replay it on the streaming service Ski and Snowboard Live.

In Canada: CBC sports will have live streaming.

Start list and race program for Thursday, January 11th, Beaver Creek replacement downhill in Wengen, Switzerland.

Click on the start list and program to download

Program for the Saturday, December 16th downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden