USA’s celebration GEPA pictures/Harald Steiner

Who is racing, when and how to watch the Saturday, December 16th World Cup Saslong downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden

The Val Gardena/Gröden World Cup is gearing up for a nail-biting showdown tomorrow as the top racers prepare to tackle the legendary Saslong downhill from the challenging top start. Saturday, December 16th, promises to add around 30 seconds to Thursday’s race times, setting the stage for an exhilarating and much more tiring battle.

Bennett

Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Bryce Bennett, fresh off his surprising win in the shortened downhill on Thursday, is set to defend his turf. The 31-year-old, standing at an imposing 6’7″, expressed his determination to continue his elite performance in this pivotal race.

Bennett’s unexpected victory on Thursday, where he finished 0.03 seconds faster than reigning World Cup downhill champion Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, has catapulted him into the spotlight. Now, with the season’s discipline leader’s bib adorning his chest, Bennett is eager to prove that his triumph was no fluke.

In an interview after Thursday’s race, Bennett shared his surprise and joy, saying, “I need to ski free and do a run that I know I’m capable of and trust myself, and yeah, it worked. It was quite a surprise to land and see green at the finish, but that feels good.”

As the anticipation builds for Saturday’s Saslong race, Bennett is focused on maintaining his competitive edge.

Exciting field

The competition is fierce, with Kilde eager to reclaim his downhill leader’s bib after facing setbacks in the super-G. The roller coaster terrain of the Saslong, known for its challenging Ciaslat section, promises to test the skills of the world’s best downhill skiers.

The race isn’t just about Bennett and Kilde; it’s a clash of titans, with Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, French skier Nils Allegre, and Canadian James “Jack” Crawford all vying for the podium. The times for first downhill podium were separated by a mere 0.05 seconds, and tomorrow’s race is also expected to be tight.

With the Saslong mountain bathed in sunlight, providing better visibility to the challenging Ciaslat section, the late starters are anticipated to make a significant impact. The drama unfolds as the racers push the limits of their abilities, navigating the twists and turns with precision and speed.

As the world awaits the outcome of tomorrow’s Saslong race, one thing is sure – Val Gardena/Gröden is set to deliver a thrilling spectacle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The high stakes, the fast skis, and the legendary slope combine for a ski racing showdown that promises nothing short of spectacular.

Sixty-two racers representing 14 nations will be racing the Saslong downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden, Italy, on Saturday, December 16th.

After the first downhill, two North Americans are among the top five in the season’s discipline standings

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

There are a total of eleven North Americans on the December 14th, Saslong DH start list

• Bib 11, 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, Bryce Bennett, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Fischer, Level Gloves
• Bib 20, Cameron Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 22, Jared Goldberg, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Educational Foundation, Rossignol, LOOK
• Bib 33, Sam Morse, Stifel USST, Carrabassett Valley Academy, Fischer, TOKO
• Bib 39, Brodie Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 52, Kyle Negomir, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 54, Jeffrey Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
• Bib 58, Kyle Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 60, Sam Dupratt, Stifel USST, Park City Ski Team, University of Utah, Atomic, Oakley

Why do many South Tirol Villages have Italian and German names

The dual language names of towns and rivers, in both Italian and German, are due to the historical struggles faced by the region. The fascist era, led by Mussolini’s efforts to ‘Italianize’ South Tyrol, left a lasting imprint as German speakers experienced discrimination and forced assimilation. While autonomy agreements in 1972 granted self-rule powers, remnants of fascism persist, sparking discussions about place names that continue to stir tensions. The South Tyrolean Freedom (STF) party advocates for removing these relics, pushing for greater autonomy and even considering the possibility of an independence referendum.

In the midst of these historical complexities, South Tyrol stands as a unique example of multicultural coexistence, where Italian and German-speaking communities share the same space. However, challenges persist, reflecting the need for time and effort to bridge historical mistrust and build a harmonious future. Val Gardena’s story is one of resilience, showcasing how cultural diversity can thrive when nurtured by political and popular will.

Start Times and How to Watch

The Zermatt-Cervinia replacement downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden starts at 2:45 am PST and 5:45 am EST on Thursday, December 14th.

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’s, December 14th, Zermatt-Cervinia replacement downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden

Click on the start list and program to download

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