On February 22, 2025, ski racing enthusiasts are gearing up for an exhilarating day with two major events scheduled: the men's downhill race at Crans Montana and the women's giant slalom at Sestriere. Both competitions are part of the prestigious FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit.
The men's downhill at Crans Montana is particularly awaited, with participation from some of the world's top skiers. Among the competitors is Italy's Dominik Paris, who recently excelled by clocking the best time during the second timed trial, signaling his readiness to challenge the Swiss favorites on their home turf.
Italy will be well-represented, with eight athletes taking to the slopes. The lineup includes Florian Schieder, Mattia Casse, Christof Innerhofer, and the veteran Paris, all aiming to secure top finishes against strong competition from Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen and Marco Odermatt, both of whom are leading contenders for the title.
The downhill race is set to begin at 10:00 AM local time. The start order for the Italian team includes Schieder starting at 10:02, Paris at 10:22, Casse at 10:44, and Innerhofer at 10:59. Viewers can catch the thrilling race live on Rai 2 HD and Eurosport 1, with streaming options available on platforms like Rai Play and Discovery+.
Meanwhile, the women's giant slalom at Sestriere will also captivate audiences, featuring renowned athletes including Federica Brignone and Sofia Goggia. The event marks the second giant slalom of the season, following Brignone's spectacular performance where she won gold and silver medals at the recent World Championships.
The Sestriere giant slalom is scheduled to commence with the first run at 11:00 AM. Brignone, who is positioned as one of the favorites, will start her run at 11:07. Goggia, determined to improve upon her previous performances, will take off shortly after, at 11:26. The competition will also be broadcast on Rai 2 and Eurosport 1, with streaming options available across various platforms.
Both events are highly anticipated, not only for the skiing action but also for the vibrant atmosphere created by fans rooting for their national heroes. With athletes from 14 different nations competing across both venues, the global representation adds to the excitement, and viewers around the world will be watching closely.
On-site, the crowds are expected to be electric, particularly at Crans Montana where the home advantage will play a significant role for the Swiss team. The downhill course is noted for favoring technical skills and speed, perfect for establishing the ultimate victor.
After the excitement of these races, fans are sure to feel entertained as the Coppa del Mondo continues to showcase thrilling alpine skiing throughout the season. Whether it's the men taking on the steep heights of Crans Montana or the women carving their way through the gates at Sestriere, February 22 is set to be a day full of competitive skiing action, with viewers eagerly awaiting to see who emerges victorious from these iconic courses.