The men’s downhill race scheduled for Sunday at Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been officially canceled due to persistent fog, which disrupted the training sessions leading up to the event. The decision follows the impossibility of conducting any training runs, as required before a downhill race.
The race, part of the World Cup circuit, was anticipated as the final test before the upcoming FIS Alpine World Championships scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, February 5, 2025, at Saalbach-Hinterglemm. This cancellation marks a significant setback for the athletes hoping to fine-tune their skills and boost their confidence right before the championship.
On Friday, the first training session was scrapped because of fog and unsuitable racing conditions. Saturday's second training run was also called off for the same reasons, leading the race jury to conclude they had no other choice but to cancel the race entirely on Sunday. According to official regulations, at least one training run must be held before proceeding to the actual race—rules aimed at ensuring the safety and preparedness of the competitors.
Sepp Brunner, the head coach of the Austrian ski team, expressed disappointment over the cancellation, stating, “I find it unfortunate for us because we needed every race to build more confidence before the World Championships.” He added, “The slope had developed really well and was set for what could have been a top race.” The loss of this final practice opportunity is particularly biting for the athletes, as it serves as both preparation and evaluation.
Among those affected is top Austrian skier Vincent Kriechmayr, who opted not to compete at Garmisch due to knee issues stemming from his injury at the Wengen downhill earlier this year. Head coach Marko Pfeifer emphasized the strategy behind this decision, noting Kriechmayr's need to rest and recover adequately before the championships. Pfeifer shared optimism about Kriechmayr’s readiness for Saalbach, as he continues his recovery work off the slopes.
Other competitors expressed their frustrations as well. Daniel Hemetsberger lamented the cancellation, saying, “I was ready to start. It’s disappointing; the slope looked good.” He acknowledged the helplessness against the fog, which prevented any alternative training options. Another skier, Stefan Babinsky, had also been eager to compete, describing himself as motivated for what promised to be an exciting contest. Despite the disappointment, he recognized the safety risks involved, declaring, “With fog, it becomes dangerous. I believe it was the right decision.”
For many team members, the canceled race presents concerns over securing their positions on the team for the upcoming championships. The Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) is slated to announce its final roster on Sunday, with discussions underway about which athletes will make the trip to Saalbach. Athletes like Daniel Hemetsberger, Vincent Kriechmayr, and other established team members need to prove their readiness for the prestigious event, especially after losing out on this significant opportunity.
Meanwhile, the German Ski Association has announced its selections for the championships, nominating Romed Baumann, Louis Vogt, and Simon Jocher to represent Germany. All three were scheduled to compete in the now-canceled Garmisch event, making their absence from the final practice before the championship even more poignant.
Overall, the cancellation of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen downhill race due to fog serves as both a challenge and a pivot point for many teams as they approach the World Championships. The unpredictability of weather conditions remains one of the key hurdles faced by alpine skiers, often directly affecting their performance and confidence levels just before major competitions.
With the World Championships set to begin on February 5, athletes will be eager to demonstrate their skills and resolve, having contended with the setbacks and anxieties brought on by the race cancellations. Although they couldn't perform at Garmisch, the focus now shifts to Saalbach, where they’ll have to channel their determination and potential under the watchful eyes of fans and coaches alike as they navigate the challenging slopes of alpine racing.