The thrilling world of Alpine skiing is set to return to Crans-Montana as men’s World Cup downhill skiing kicks off this weekend, marking the first men’s event held at this prestigious Swiss resort since 1998. The stakes are high as athletes like Italy’s Dominik Paris and Marco Odermatt prepare to carve their way down the slope, which has been both the subject of excitement and criticism from the competitors.
This event, scheduled for February 2nd and 3rd, 2025, will feature two races: the downhill on Saturday and the super-G on Sunday. Having last held men's races back in 2012, anticipation is building as the track prepares to host world-class skiers once again.
Italy’s Dominik Paris, who has made headlines with impressive training times—including clocking 1:56.79 during practice—comes back with determination. Paris expressed his views on the track during the second training run, remarking, “The track is quite easy. They have put a lot of bumps and curves and you don’t go fast.” His perspective reflects both confidence and strategic caution as he prepares for competition.
The competition promises to be fierce with standout competitors like the American Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who trails Paris by 28 hundredths of a second, and Switzerland’s own Franjo von Allmen, last seen basking in the glory of his World Championship title. Both skiers are expected to challenge the Italian’s lead and vie for pole position on the podium.
Even though the slopes are considered relatively easy, this sets the stage for unexpected results and possibly swift performances. Marco Odermatt, currently leading the specialty rankings with 365 points, also shared his thoughts, stating, “It’s the easiest downhill run I’ve ever skied.” This sentiment has stirred some skepticism among the athletes about the challenge posed by the course.
The disconnect between the course’s perceived simplicity and the actual execution during competition brings another level of excitement. Von Allmen commented on the situation, noting, “The course is easier to ride, but it’s difficult to be fast.” The challenge will lie not only in speed but also precision, as even small missteps can cost athletes their chance for glory.
Crans-Montana has been revitalized as it prepares to host not only this race but also the World Championships slated for 2027. The anticipation for the men’s downhill is palpable, with accommodations booked and 6,000 fans expected to line the slopes, eager to witness their favorite athletes compete on the renewed track. This renewed interest has drawn comparisons to the historical significance of past events, where Swiss skiers dominated the podium.
The local sentiment is echoed by Didier Défago, the race director, who acknowledged the evolution needed for making the course challenging enough for elite competition. “There’s certainly room for improvement on the difficulty of the course,” he remarked, alluding to adjustments needed to step up the competition level.
Embracing the return of this iconic competition, both fans and athletes hope for thrilling performances, high-speed descents, and nail-biting finishes. The excitement will likely crescendo as race day approaches and competitors finalize their preparations. With the race set to begin at 10 AM local time on February 2nd, coverage will be available across various platforms, including live broadcasts on Raidue and Eurosport.
Whether the lighter track will lead to unexpected surprises is yet to be seen. One thing's for sure: the world of skiing will be watching closely as Crans-Montana reclaims its place as a significant stop on the men’s Alpine skiing calendar. The festive atmosphere, combined with the fierce competition expected, promises to deliver unforgettable moments, reiterate the depth of talent on the men’s circuit, and solidify Crans-Montana's reputation as not just a host but also a future champion's training ground.