Kitzbühel Day 2: The Race for First Place Continues to Get Tighter. Who Will Achieve the Top?
Featured Image: Cyprien Sarrazin flying off the jump on the first day of downhill at the Kitzbühel World Cup.
Who is racing in Kitzbühel, when, and how to watch the men’s World Cup Streif downhill on Saturday, January 20th.
The first day of the downhill on the exhilarating Streif was a battle for hundredths. The times were close, and the racing was incredible, getting the racers and spectators even more excited for the second day at the Kitzbühel World Cup.
Cyprien Sarrazin from France had an exceptional debut at the Kitzbühel World Cup. He secured his second downhill World Cup win, impressively only on his second time finishing this heart-stopping track. Despite the high speeds and daring jumps, he remained unfazed, showcasing his remarkable strength by gaining momentum in the final sections of the course.
Sarrazin has won on two of the most frightening downhills on the World Cup circuit. The heightened exhilaration of these two courses did not seem to phase him when he explained that he “woke up calm” before Kitzbühel, unlike most of his competitors.
The current overall leader of World Cup rankings, Marco Odermatt, had a top-notch performance as well. He earned himself his second podium finish in the Kitzbühel downhill, with his first in 2022. It marks Odermatt’s 14th career downhill podium.
Italian Florian Schieder achieved 2nd place. Last season, Schieder’s achieved his only other World Cup podium on this hill. The Italian revealed today that he possesses the necessary skills to dominate the Kitzbühel World Cup.
The three athletes will aim to achieve another day of posting the fastest times on the fear-inducing track. Marco Odermatt expressed that he was happy with the overall result but not fully satisfied with his run. He believes he has more to give on this hill.
Odermatt stated, “It wasn’t my best run of the season, but I am very happy with a podium here,” he continued, “If you don’t show your best skiing in Kitzbühel, then you can’t win here.”
Schieder explained, “Tomorrow, I can ski easy with a clear mind, and I hope for another podium.”
It will be fascinating to witness these three exceptional athletes carry the momentum from the initial day and translate it into another crucial day of downhill skiing.
Top Five 2024 Men’s World Cup Downhill Standings
North Americans
Stifel US Ski Team athlete Ryan Cochran-Siegle unveiled his speed with his best run of the season. However, he barely missed the podium by 0.01, finishing the day with a 4th-place finish.
He stated, “Honestly, crossing the finish line, I didn’t know what was going to happen. I think I gave it my best. It was so cool being close to Marco coming down,” he continued, “Right now, sitting in fourth, a hundredth from the podium, I obviously want to be on the podium. But I gave it my all, and I am having a good time skiing this track.”
He will push the line even harder tomorrow to make up the hundredths needed for a podium finish.
Alpine Canada Alpin Cameron Alexander also skied fast into the top 5, finishing +0.11 behind Cochran-Siegle’s time. It marked Alexander’s third time in the top 5 of a World Cup downhill. He has achieved two downhill podiums previously, finishing third in Bormio this season and winning in Kvitfjell. He has the speed to land himself in the top 3 and will strive for that tomorrow.
Sam Morse conquered his best downhill of the season today (18th place) and will be gunning it to increase his rankings tomorrow.
He explained going into tomorrow, “I got a little rowdy up top, so I lost more of my time up there. So, (tomorrow) I am going to try to clean up a couple of those turns and just be cleaner with the ski, less slide.”
In the first downhill, six out of ten North American racers accomplished the top 30.
North American Men with 2024 World Cup Downhill Points
North Americans Racing Saturday, January 20th, Streif Downhill in Kitzbühel.
- Bib 6, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Stifel USST, Mt Mansfield Ski Academy, Cochran’s Ski Club, HEAD
- Bib 9, Bryce Bennett, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Fischer, Level Gloves
- Bib 12, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD, Level Gloves
- Bib 17, Cameron Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
- Bib 28, Jared Goldberg, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Educational Foundation, Rossignol, LOOK
- Bib 33, Sam Morse, Stifel USST, Carrabassett Valley Academy, Fischer, TOKO
- Bib 39, Brodie Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
- Bib 49, Wiley Maple, USA Independent, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, SYNC, Atomic, Oakley
- Bib 52, Jeffrey Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
About Kitzbühel
Nestled in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps, Kitzbühel, or “Kitzbichi” as the locals affectionately call it, maybe a small Austrian town, but its fame transcends its size. Boasting a population of around 8,000 residents, this Tyrolian gem transforms into a winter wonderland, drawing ski enthusiasts from far and wide. When the snow melts, Kitzbühel undergoes a magical metamorphosis, becoming a sought-after destination for hiking and vacations during the warmer months.
One of the town’s prominent features is the majestic Kitzbüheler Horn, which rises to 6548 feet (1996 meters). Gazing upon this natural marvel from the tranquil Schwarzsee, a popular summer bathing spot beyond Kitzbühel, provides a breathtaking panorama. The town’s rich history adds another layer of intrigue, with its first documented mention dating back to the 12th century. From being part of Upper Bavaria in 1255 to its intermittent allegiance to Tyrol or Bavaria, Kitzbühel found its permanent home in Austria in 1815. During every season, Kitzbühel delivers with its alpine charm and history as diverse as its landscapes.
How to Watch Saturday, January 20th Kitzbühel Men’s World Cup Streif Downhill
The men start at 2:30 a.m. PST, 3:30 a.m MST, and 5:30 a.m EST, and 11:30 CET.
In Canada, sports enthusiasts can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports
In the USA, the men’s World Cup races in Kitzbühel will be available for viewing live and as a replay on the Peacock streaming service.
Start List and Race Program for Saturday, January 20th, Kitzbühel Men’s World Cup Downhill
Click on the start list and program to download
Race Program for Saturday January 20th, Kitzbühel Men’s World Cup Downhill
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
