Marco Odermatt / DH training 2025 / Photo: Saslong Classic Club
Val Gardena / Gröden World Cup Downhill Start List | Sprint DH Opens XXL Weekend
The men’s Alpine World Cup launches an XXL race block in Val Gardena / Gröden on Thursday with a shortened sprint downhill, replacing the Beaver Creek downhill that was lost earlier this season.
The Thursday downhill is the first of three speed races on the Saslong, followed by Friday’s super-G and Saturday’s full-length classic downhill. With five consecutive race days — speed events in Val Gardena leading directly into Men’s Alta Badia giant slalom (Sunday) and slalom (Monday) — organizers shortened Thursday’s downhill to reduce physical strain on the athletes.
The sprint downhill starts from the super-G start, preserving the Saslong’s demanding terrain while limiting cumulative load during one of the most compressed stretches of the season.
A Historic Downhill Milestone
Beyond its role as a replacement race, Thursday’s sprint downhill carries historic significance. According to research by ORF, the Val Gardena sprint marks the 1,000th downhill race in World Cup history, counting both men’s and women’s competitions.
It is a rare milestone for the sport — and it comes on one of alpine skiing’s most iconic speed tracks.
Beaver Creek Sets the Early Downhill Picture
Only one men’s downhill has been raced so far this season.
Marco Odermatt (SUI) opened his downhill campaign with a decisive victory at Beaver Creek. The Colorado crowd erupted as Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA) powered to second, while Adrian Smiseth Sejersted (NOR) completed the podium in third.
2026 Men’s World Cup Downhill Podiums
| Race | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Creek | Marco Odermatt (SUI) | Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA) | Adrian Smiseth Sejersted (NOR) |
Top Seven in the World Cup Start List Downhill Standings — Val Gardena Sprint DH Start Order
- 14 — Marco Odermatt (SUI), 1997 — Stöckli
- 6 — Franjo von Allmen (SUI), 2001 — Head
- 9 — Alexis Monney (SUI), 2000 — Stöckli
- 13 — Dominik Paris (ITA), 1989 — Nordica
- 10 — Miha Hrobat (SLO), 1995
- 7 — Vincent Kriechmayr (AUT), 1991 — Head
- 12 — Justin Murisier (SUI), 1992 — Head
Stifel U.S. Ski Team — Downhill Entries (7)
- 4 — Bryce Bennett (USA), 1992
- 8 — Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA), 1992 — Head
- 38 — Wiley Maple (USA), 1990 — Atomic
- 48 — Jared Goldberg (USA), 1991
- 51 — Erik Arvidsson (USA), 1998 — Head
- 52 — Kyle Negomir (USA), 1998 — Atomic
- 56 — Sam Morse (USA), 1996
Alpine Canada Alpin — Downhill Entries (5)
- 15 — James Crawford (CAN), 1997 — Head
- 18 — Cameron Alexander (CAN), 1997
- 28 — Brodie Seger (CAN), 1995 — Atomic
- 39 — Jeffrey Read (CAN), 1997 — Atomic
- 58 — Raphaël Lessard (CAN), 2001 — Head
Olympic Implications
With the sport in the Olympic season, every downhill result now carries far more weight than just World Cup points. For established stars, each race directly contributes to start ranking and seeding for the Olympic downhill in Bormio.
For strong but less secure World Cup skiers, the stakes are even higher. Performances during this speed block can play a decisive role in earning Olympic team selection for their country, while missed opportunities quickly narrow the path to Milano–Cortina 2026.
In a calendar with limited downhill starts, Val Gardena represents a critical proving ground — where podium contenders defend their status and solid World Cup performers fight to turn results into Olympic starts.
What’s at Stake
With the downhill season just underway, Val Gardena represents the first significant momentum shift opportunity in the speed standings. Odermatt arrives as the favorite, but the shortened format, dense schedule, and Saslong’s relentless demands leave no margin for error.
Thursday’s sprint downhill sets the tone for a decisive stretch of men’s World Cup racing.
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: Both races air live on Discovery+ — 10:45 UK time.
Daily Program
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Stifel Birds of Prey Men’s Downhill Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
