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Val Gardena, Alpine skiing – downhill (replacement Zermatt-Cervinia), December 14th, 2023
11:31
The daily task
Due to snowfall on Wednesday, the first speed race of the winter will be shortened. The athletes only have to cover 2,415 meters on the classic route, which has been an integral part of the World Cup since the 1970s. Nevertheless, the key places remain: the so-called camel humps, a combination of three bumps. And the Ciaslat meadow, a very demanding passage with four curves and numerous bumps.
11:22
What do Odermatt and Co. show?
As already mentioned, Marco Odermatt (start number 6) is the Swiss hottest prospect. Last year’s overall World Cup winner made it onto the podium in five of the ten downhill races held, but never finished in first place. Behind the 26-year-old, the Swiss team once again wants to impress across the board. Niels Hintermann (8), Stefan Rogentin (16) and Gilles Roulin (22) are primarily in demand. Alexis Monney (27), Justin Murisier (30), Josua Mettler (36), Marco Kohler (41), Franjo von Allmen (43), Ralph Weber (46) and Lars Rösti (54) follow with higher numbers.
11:13
ÖSV with eight starters
Among the Austrians, many eyes are of course on Vincent Kriechmayr, who will finish the top group with number 15. In addition to the 32-year-old, the ÖSV has at least two other athletes in its ranks who can intervene in the fight for the podium places: all-rounder Marco Schwarz (start number 3) and Daniel Hemetsberger (9). Otmar Striedinger (17) is also likely to have at least a slight outside chance. Daniel Danklmaier (28), Christopher Neumayer (35), Stefan Babinsky (44) and Johannes Strolz (58) are also there. The latter will make his debut on a World Cup downhill.
11:01
What’s in it for the German team?
From a German perspective, Josef Ferstl (start number 5), Romed Baumann (12), Andreas Sander (18) and Thomas Dreßen (24) and Josef Ferstl in particular can hope for a promising start. However, Sander had to painfully experience the difficulties of the Saslong slope in the first training session. The Ennepetaler had a bad fall, but at least got off relatively lightly and is now there too. With later start times, Simon Jocher (31) and Luis Voigt (47) complete the German Ski Association team.
10:54
Attempt number five
After two runs in both Zermatt and Beaver Creek were canceled due to weather, the organizers in South Tyrol seem to have better luck with the external conditions. Now one of the races that would normally have taken place in Zermatt will be held in Val Gardena. The Norwegian Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who won the discipline ranking last season, is the top favorite. Vincent Kriechmayr from Austria and the Swiss high flyer Marco Odermatt are also expecting a lot.
10:45
Welcome!
Finally the time has come – a wonderful good morning and welcome to the first men’s downhill run of the Alpine winter 2023/24! The speed riders meet on the infamous Saslong in Val Gardena for the first test of strength. The race is scheduled to start at 11:45 a.m.