The legendary Hahnenkamm downhill ski race is set to take place on January 25, 2025, at the iconic Streif course in Kitzbühel, Austria. This year, the event has garnered significant attention, particularly due to the strong performance of Swiss skier Marco Odermatt, who is currently the leading contender.
Marco Odermatt, aged 27, is not just the favorite for the race but is also the overall leader of the World Cup standings, boasting over 200 points more than his nearest rival, Norwegian skier Henrik Kristoffersen. Known for his mastery across speed disciplines, which include downhill, Super G, and giant slalom, Odermatt aims to secure his first victory on the famed Streif, having never won the event previously.
This year's Hahnenkamm races will consist of three main competitions: one downhill race, one Super G, and one slalom, taking place over the weekend of January 24 - 26, 2025. The decision to feature only one downhill event (as opposed to two, which was the case from 2021 to 2024) stems from increasing safety concerns and potential injury risks posed to athletes. According to the FIS, "Due to the high load on athletes and the associated risk of injury, double downhills have been completely removed from the racing calendar this season." Such measures reflect the sport's commitment to athlete safety amid past instances of severe falls during competitions.
The last-minute revise has sparked discussions within the community, with several experts warning about the overall strain on athletes even with the adjusted schedule. The excitement remains palpable, as the stretch of the Streif is revered as one of the most challenging and thrilling courses not just for its steep drops but also for the high speeds, often exceeding 150 kilometers per hour.
This year, Kitzbühel will witness the thrilling return of the Super G, absent from the venue for four years. It will kick off on January 24 at 11:30 AM, setting the stage for the ensuing events. The following day, the eagerly anticipated downhill race will start at the same time, positioning it as one of the highlights of the skiing calendar.
Notably, Kitzbühel is known for its generous prize money, with winners of each of the three races earning €100,000, making it one of the most lucrative stops on the World Cup circuit. The races are broadcasted live across multiple platforms; viewers can enjoy the Spectacular action on ZDF and Eurosport, with streaming options available through DAZN and the ZDF Mediathek.
The atmosphere surrounding the Hahnenkamm event is electric, drawing thousands of fans to Kitzbühel who are not only spectators but part of the storied history of this skiing extravaganza. Analysts and commentators have remarked, "The Hahnenkamm races are considered the most spectacular and demanding races of the season," underscoring the significance of the event.
All eyes will be on the legendary course, where the steep drops and sharp turns will separate the champions from the contenders. Marco Odermatt's performance will be closely watched as he strives to put his name on the winners' list for this historic race.
With the weight of both expectation and the thrill of the competition, the upcoming Hahnenkamm race is set to be another unforgettable chapter added to the storied history of alpine skiing.
Fans are gearing up for the live broadcast, ensuring they won't miss a single run of the action on the renowned Streif course, marking yet another highlight of the skiing season.