Von Allmen, Odermatt, Cochran-Siegle / Val Gardena Podium 2024 / GEPA pictures
Saslong Classic Downhill | Saturday, December 20
Saturday’s Saslong classic downhill closes the third and final day of racing this season in Val Gardena / Gröden. The men return to the full-length course for one of the most iconic races on the World Cup calendar. Set high in the Dolomites and backed by passionate Italian fans, the Saslong demands full commitment from the start. The Ciaslat’s rolling, demanding terrain exposes hesitation, while those who stay balanced and carry speed are rewarded all the way to the finish.
Thursday’s makeup sprint downhill from the super-G start offered an early read on Val Gardena form, but Saturday’s classic is a very different test. The full-length Saslong is longer, faster, and far less forgiving, with racers entering the Ciaslat after roughly 30 more seconds of racing. That added time leaves legs significantly more fatigued, making the rolling, demanding terrain even harder to manage.
Men’s World Cup Downhill Podiums — 2025–26 Season
| Race | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Creek (Birds of Prey DH) | Marco Odermatt (SUI) | Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA) | Adrian Smiseth Sejersted (NOR) |
| Val Gardena / Gröden (Sprint DH) | Marco Odermatt (SUI) | Franjo von Allmen (SUI) | Dominik Paris (ITA) |
Saturday’s Saslong classic will be the third downhill of the season.
Men’s World Cup Downhill Standings — Top 10 (After 2 Races)
- Bib 6 — Marco Odermatt (SUI, 1997) — Stöckli
- Bib 7 — Franjo von Allmen (SUI, 2001) — HEAD
- Bib 12 — Dominik Paris (ITA, 1989) — Nordica
- Bib 13 — Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA, 1992) — HEAD
- Bib 10 — Nils Allegre (FRA, 1994)
- Bib 21 — Adrian Smiseth Sejersted (NOR, 1994) — Atomic
- Bib 16 — Florian Schieder (ITA, 1995) — Atomic
- Bib 11 — Alexis Monney (SUI, 2000) — Stöckli
- Bib 14 — Vincent Kriechmayr (AUT, 1991) — HEAD
- Bib 25 — Nils Alphand (FRA, 1996) — HEAD
Stifel U.S. Ski Team Outlook
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team arrives in Val Gardena with a blend of proven Saslong success and strong early-season form. Kyle Negomir (bib 48) has been the top American in both Thursday’s sprint downhill and Friday’s super-G, putting him firmly on the radar heading into the full-length classic.
Bryce Bennett (bib 1) returns to his best venue, having won twice on the Saslong, while Ryan Cochran-Siegle (bib 13) brings both momentum and course history after finishing third here last season behind Marco Odermatt and Franjo von Allmen, and opening the season second in Beaver Creek. Sam Morse (bib 53) also carries a history of excellence on the Saslong, a course that rewards confidence, glide, and fearless commitment.
USA Start List
- Bib 1 — Bryce Bennett (1992)
- Bib 13 — Ryan Cochran-Siegle (1992) — HEAD
- Bib 45 — Jared Goldberg (1991)
- Bib 47 — Erik Arvidsson (1996) — HEAD
- Bib 48 — Kyle Negomir (1998) — Atomic
- Bib 53 — Sam Morse (1996)
- Bib 38 — Wiley Maple (1990) — Atomic (Independent)
Alpine Canada Alpin Outlook
Alpine Canada Alpin brings a compact but experienced group to the Saslong. James Crawford (bib 5) and Cameron Alexander (bib 19) anchor the lineup on a course that rewards aggressive skiing and confidence at speed. Brodie Seger (bib 26) and Jeffrey Read (bib 39) add depth and experience across changing terrain.
Raphael Lessard (bib 56) continues to build his World Cup résumé while racing out of the University of Utah, rather than as a named Alpine Canada Alpin team member.
Canada Start List
- Bib 5 — James Crawford (1997) — HEAD
- Bib 19 — Cameron Alexander (1997)
- Bib 26 — Brodie Seger (1995) — Atomic
- Bib 39 — Jeffrey Read (1997) — Atomic
- Bib 56 — Raphael Lessard (2001) — HEAD (University of Utah)
What to Watch
With two speed races already completed this week, Saturday’s Saslong classic stands apart. The sprint downhill and super-G may hint at form, but only full commitment from the very top will decide this race. In front of packed Italian grandstands and under mounting Olympic-season pressure, the Saslong once again promises to deliver one of the defining downhill tests of the winter.
How to Watch
The men take the hill on Thursday, Dec 4, at 5:45 a.m. EST / 2:45 a.m. PST
United States: Live coverage and replay on Ski and Snowboard Live.
Canada: Stream on CBC Sports.
Great Britain: Races air live on Discovery+ — 10:45 UK time.
Daily Program
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Men’s Downhill Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
