Vincent Kriechmayr racing in Val Gardena. Credit: GEPA pictures
Who’s Racing, When to Watch, and How to Tune In
Why Two Names?
Val Gardena / Gröden reflects the region’s unique history and culture. Located in Italy’s South Tyrol, the area was part of Austria-Hungary until 1919. Following World War I, the Treaty of Saint-Germain awarded South Tyrol to Italy, leading to the joint German-Italian name Val Gardena / Gröden, honoring the region’s bilingual heritage.
Saslong Super-G Course Details
The Saslong super-G course in Val Gardena / Gröden starts at a lower elevation than the downhill with a vertical drop of approximately 490 meters (1,607 feet) over a course length of 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles). The average gradient sits at 23-25%, with sections requiring both high-speed gliding and technical prowess. While the super-G skips the iconic Camel
The course is named after the Saslong mountain, a towering peak in the Dolomites that casts long shadows over the track for early starters. This natural setting often benefits later runners, making the Saslong famous for dramatic performances and surprise moves into the top 30.
Challenges and Unique Character
The Saslong super-G combines downhill-like speed with the technical demands of giant slalom. Unlike downhill, there are no training runs, and athletes rely on one course inspection to memorize the line and anticipate terrain changes.
Fast, sweeping turns demand world-class skiing skills and split-second decisions, all at high speeds. Steep sections, rollers, and tricky transitions challenge skiers to remain focused and precise. A single mistake can cost critical time—or result in a missed gate. These elements make super-G one of the World Cup circuit’s most challenging and underappreciated disciplines.
Val Gardena / Gröden Podium Winners Return for Super-G Action
Vincent Kriechmayr of Austria, last season’s Val Gardena / Gröden super-G winner, returns to defend his title. He is joined by teammate Daniel Hemetsberger, who finished second, and Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, who placed third. Odermatt, already in top form, opened this season with a commanding win in Beaver Creek, setting up another thrilling showdown on the Saslong.
Nations Represented in the Top 15
The field at Val Gardena / Gröden remains fiercely competitive, with a strong mix of top athletes from around the world. In this season’s top 15 standings, Austria leads the way with four athletes. France follows closely with three, while Switzerland, the United States, and Italy each have two. Norway and the Czech Republic round out the group with one athlete each.
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2024-25 World Cup SG Standings
Sixty-five athletes from 15 countries will compete in the Val Gardena/Gröden Saslong super-G on Friday, Dec. 20.
A Strong Start to the Season
Odermatt, last season’s downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and overall champion, wasted no time asserting his dominance. The Swiss skier won the season-opening Beaver Creek Birds of Prey super-G by 0.18 seconds over French standout Cyprien Sarrazin. Austrian Lukas Feurstein finished third, 0.47 seconds back.
North Americans showed their strength in Beaver Creek, with River Radamus leading the Stifel U.S. Ski Team in 8th place, followed by Ryan Cochran-Siegle in 11th, Kyle Negomir in 19th, and Bryce Bennett in 27th. Alpine Canada Alpin’s Brodie Seger placed 21st as the last Canadian starter and the only one to finish.
North Americans on the SG World Cup Start List (WCSL) points and rank
North American Strength in Super-G
The 2024-25 season continues with 14 North American men on the World Cup Start List (WCSL), including seven members of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, one independent racer, and six athletes from Alpine Canada Alpin. Twelve are ranked inside the critical top 60, securing valuable start spots for their nations.
Canada’s James Crawford and Jeffrey Read return to Val Gardena / Gröden looking to rebound after not finishing the Beaver Creek opener. Both performed well on the Saslong last season, where Crawford earned 6th place and Read tied for 10th with Jared Goldberg of the U.S.
Goldberg remains a reliable performer for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and will look to challenge for points once again. Cameron Alexander, who finished 7th last season, joins his brother Kyle Alexander in leading the Canadian charge.
Rounding out the key contenders, Radamus brings confidence into Val Gardena / Gröden after his strong start at Beaver Creek.
The North American roster runs deep, with several athletes ranked inside the top 60. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Negomir, Sam Morse, and Bennett, along with independent racer Wiley Maple, have the speed to challenge for top results.
Arvidson and Alexander on the WCSL
Erik Arvidsson of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and Kyle Alexander of Alpine Canada Alpin are both on the World Cup Start List (WCSL) but sit outside the critical top 60. While they face later starting positions, both remain focused on gaining valuable experience and earning points as the season progresses.
Additional Names to Watch
For Alpine Canada Alpin, Brodie Seger adds further depth. He will line up alongside his brother, Riley Seger, who is ready to make his mark this season.
A Storied Course Awaits
With its demanding terrain and rich history, Val Gardena / Gröden sets the stage for thrilling races and fierce competition. North America’s best will push their limits on Friday, Dec. 20, as fans eagerly await another unforgettable super-G showdown.
Bibs and Bios of North American Men Racing the Downhill
- Bib 1, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Stifel USST, Mt Mansfield Ski Academy, Cochran’s Ski Club, HEAD
- Bib 4, Cameron Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
- Bib 11, Jeffrey Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, Atomic
- Bib 13, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD
- Bib 26, Jared Goldberg, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Educational Foundation
- Bib 28, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, SYNC Protection
- Bib 29, Kyle Negomir, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Atomic
- Bib 31, Sam Morse, Stifel USST, Carrabassett Valley Academy, TOKO
- Bib 36, Bryce Bennett, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe
- Bib 37, Riley Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Montana State University
- Bib 41, Kyle Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
- Bib 46, Erik Arvidsson, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Middlebury College, HEAD
- Bib 51, Wiley Maple, USA Independent, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, SYNC, Atomic, Oakley
- Bib 55, Brodie Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Oakley
How and When to Watch
The race starts at 5:45 a.m. Eastern and 2:45 a.m. Pacific time,
U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a replay on Ski And Snowboard Live.
Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.
Daily Program and Start List
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Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
