Kvitfjell, Norway – The World Cup Finals kicked off Thursday with the first downhill training run on the Olympia slope in Kvitfjell, and it was Slovenia’s Miha Hrobat who set the fastest time, clocking in at 1:48.34. The performance sets the stage for Saturday’s final downhill race of the season. The training run offered a first gaze at how racers are adapting to the course, and provided encouraging signs for several contenders as they vie for season-ending honors.
Just 14 hundredths of a second behind Hrobat was Canada’s Cameron Alexander, finishing second. But it was the strong showing from Italy that caught the attention of many, with Florian Schieder securing the third-fastest time, only 28 hundredths off the pace. This early performance is a positive indicator for the Italian team as they look to close out the World Cup season on a high note.
Schieder, representing Italy, demonstrated impressive form, finishing with a time of 1:48.62. The result is particularly noteworthy as he aims to build on a strong downhill World Cup season, having already secured five top-ten finishes. Austria’s Raphael Haaser followed closely in fourth, posting a time of 1:48.78, just 44 hundredths behind Hrobat. Daniel Hemetsberger rounded out the top five for Austria, finishing 51 hundredths of a second slower.
Dominik Paris, a Kvitfjell specialist with six previous victories at the venue, likewise delivered a solid performance, securing sixth place with a time of 1:49.07. His familiarity with the course is evident, and he’ll be a racer to watch closely on Saturday. The American Ryan Cochran-Siegle finished seventh, followed by Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr and Switzerland’s Stefan Rogentin, completing the top ten.
The training run wasn’t without its surprises, as some of the pre-race favorites appeared to hold back. Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, who has already clinched the overall World Cup title, finished 15th, while his teammate Franjo Von Allmen struggled, finishing last with a time over three seconds slower than Hrobat. Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni also appeared to be pacing himself, finishing 16th, a little over a second behind the leader.
For those unfamiliar, the World Cup Finals represent the culmination of the alpine skiing season, bringing together the top racers from around the globe. Kvitfjell, located in Norway, is a challenging downhill course known for its demanding terrain and high speeds. The Olympia slope, in particular, tests skiers’ technical skills, and courage. The downhill championship, along with the World Cup and giant slalom titles, have already been secured by Swiss racer Marco Odermatt, but the battle for the remaining podium spots remains fierce.
Franzoni and Paris are both still in contention for a place on the downhill podium, adding extra intrigue to Saturday’s race. The competition is expected to be intense, with several skiers capable of challenging for the win. Another training run is scheduled for Friday, providing racers with another opportunity to fine-tune their lines and prepare for the final race.
The downhill race on Saturday is scheduled to commence at 10:45 a.m. Local time (UTC+2). Following the downhill, Kvitfjell will host a Super-G race on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Local time (UTC+2). These final races will determine the final standings in the downhill and Super-G disciplines, adding to the excitement of the World Cup Finals.
The strong showing from Florian Schieder and Dominik Paris provides a boost for the Italian team, while Miha Hrobat’s impressive time sets him up as a favorite for Saturday’s race. With several top contenders still looking to make their mark, the final downhill of the season promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
Next up is Friday’s second training run, where racers will have another chance to assess the course and refine their strategies before Saturday’s competition. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the World Cup Finals in Kvitfjell.
