World Cup men begin racing one day earlier at Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek.
Earlier today officials with the International Ski Federation decided to move the men’s downhill to Thursday, Dec. 4. They are nervous about incoming snow on Friday.
The remainder of the weekend, super-G on Saturday and giant slalom on Sunday, is tentatively scheduled to happen as planned.
A dusting of fresh snow this morning didn’t delay the final day of downhill training, where Canada’s Cameron Alexander posted the fastest time, followed closely by Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr (4) and Swiss powerhouse Marco Odermatt (6). Those two dominated at the Copper Cup super-G, and Odermatt remains a favorite at Beaver Creek.
Top American at training today was Ryan Cochran-Siegle (9). Bryce Bennett finished top-20.
New start and finish
New this year at Birds of Prey is a higher super-G start, meaning skiers will tackle one of the most intimidating features on the entire course – The Brink.
“Watching these athletes navigate The Brink while executing the more precise turns required in super-G will be incredible,” Sarah Franke, Senior Vice President of Operations for the Vail Valley Foundation, said in a statement. “This section of course is known to test all downhill specialists who attempt it. Seeing it incorporated into another discipline will add a whole new dimension of excitement.”
This higher super-G start means the finish line will be higher too, now ending at the Harrier Jump uphill from the traditional finish at Red Tail Stadium. Downhill and GS end at Harrier as well. What does this change for spectators? Not much. The grandstands and big screen are still at the traditional finish area. Same as the VIP tents and vendors. Awards are held at Red Tail too.
Preview image of Bryce Bennett via U.S. Ski Team.
