On a sun-splashed Colorado day, 76 athletes kicked off the Stifel Birds of Prey Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup with the first men’s downhill training run. Slovenia’s Miha Hrobat posted the day’s fastest time; however, the official results noted that he missed a gate.
Defending World Cup champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland was second, and Cyprien Sarrazin of France was third. Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Kyle Nigomir was the top American in seventh, 1.04 seconds off the top time. Bryce Bennet was 21st, and Jared Goldberg was 29th.
While the sunshine was warming and welcoming after last year’s snowed-out races, the chatter from the first training run of 2024 was all about the huge snowfall Beaver Creek received last week and the amount of snow produced on the course, significantly changing some of the course characteristics.
“Good Colorado conditions,” noted Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who was 35th in the first training run. “There is a lot of terrain built up, which makes it challenging in places, but as the snow gets slipped out, it will get a little more consistent. We’ll see what they do to take some terrain down in places, but it is still good old Beaver Creek, definitely really nice!”
“Training runs… it is all about using them,” said Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Sam Morse. “I’d lace it into a turn here, then slide into the next one, feeling out the snow, feeling out the terrain. The Harrier jump was flying really big, so I missed that right-footer gate before Red Tail (jump). So, I’ll have to dial that in for race day.”
Wednesday’s downhill training run has been canceled, and the Talons Course Crew will use the day to work on the course and dial in the terrain for Thursday’s second downhill training run, scheduled for an 11 a.m. start time.
Friday’s official first World Cup downhill of the season is scheduled for an 11 a.m. start. All races are free to spectate at the John and Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium, including the all-new Public Perch, which offers a spectacular vantage point above the race area.
Free race shuttles depart from the Covered Bridge in Beaver Creek Village often throughout race days. From the race-finish drop-off area, there is a five-minute on-snow walk uphill to Red Tail Stadium. Please allow one hour of travel time from the base of Beaver Creek Resort to Red Tail Stadium to avoid missing any of the action!
Post-race on Friday, live music, athlete autograph signings, a bib draw, and fireworks will light up Beaver Creek Village.
RESULTS
Men’s Downhill Training #1
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