Jared Goldberg GEPA pictures/Thomas Bachun

Who is racing, when and how to watch the Thursday, December 14th Zermatt-Cervinia replacement downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden

As the men’s alpine ski season unfolds, excitement builds for the upcoming Zermatt-Cervinia replacement World Cup downhill race in Val Gardena/Gröden, Italy. The season, marked by challenging weather conditions, has seen cancellations of four scheduled downhill races, adding suspense and eagerness for this much-anticipated event.

With only two out of the nine scheduled races completed so far this season, Thursday’s race serves as a crucial makeup opportunity for one of the canceled Zermatt-Cervinia Downhills. The Val Gardena/Gröden downhill, named the Saslong after the imposing Dolomite mountain that looms over the course, promises a thrilling spectacle.

North American Victories

The Saslong holds a storied history, with the Stifel US Ski Team and the Canadian Ski Team showcasing remarkable performances on its slopes. Canadian Rob Boyd claimed victory twice in 1986 and 1987, while USA’s Steven Nyman, who recently retired, clinched the top spot three times in 2006, 2012, and 2014. In 2021, Bryce Bennett of the USA added his name to the list of Saslong champions. Jared Goldberg, a standout Stifel U.S. Ski Team member, showcased his prowess by claiming victory in this season’s sole training run on the course.

2022 podium

Notable names filled the podium in last year’s race, with Austrian Vincent Kriechmayr securing the top spot, followed by Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt and the retired Austrian legend Matthias Mayer. The defending downhill discipline champion, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, finished in the impressive fifth position.

The Saslong downhill is renowned for its varied terrains, demanding creativity from the skiers as they navigate its challenges. One standout feature is the Camel Jump, a colossal jump where brave racers soar over 60 meters, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling race.

As anticipation builds and athletes prepare to conquer the Saslong, fans eagerly await the Zermatt-Cervinia replacement World Cup downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden, where the stage is set for high-speed action and impressive displays of skill on one of alpine skiing’s most iconic courses.

Top-ranked 22-23 Downhill Athletes Racing in Val Gardena/Gröden on Dec 14

North Americans who scored World Cup DH points during the 2023 season racing in Val Gardena/Gröden on Saturday, December 14th,

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

• Bib 1, Cameron Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 2, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Stifel USST, Mt Mansfield Ski Academy, Cochran’s Ski Club, HEAD
• Bib 14, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 20, Jared Goldberg, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Educational Foundation, Rossignol, LOOK
• Bib 32, Sam Morse, Stifel USST, Carrabassett Valley Academy, Fischer, TOKO
• Bib 34, Bryce Bennett, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Fischer, Level Gloves
• Bib 40, Brodie Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 53, Kyle Negomir, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 55, Jeffrey Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
• Bib 59, Kyle Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 61, Sam Dupratt, Stifel USST, Park City Ski Team, University of Utah, Atomic, Oakley
• Bib ^4, Riley Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Montana State University, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves

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