Preview: Men’s World Cup Finals GS
[ad_1]
Peter Lange
GEPA pictures/Matic Klansek
Who is racing in Saalbach, when, and how to watch the men’s World Cup finals giant slalom on March 16th
Odermatt’s perfect regular season
The Men’s World Cup Finals giant slalom (GS) on Saturday, March 16th, in Saalbach, Austria, is shaping up to be an exhilarating event, with plenty of storylines to follow.
The qualified skiers for the finals include only the top 25 performers from the GS season, athletes amassing 500 or more points in all the events during the season, and the reigning Junior World Champion. Only the top 15 finishers score World Cup points at the finals. However, due to injuries only 23 skiers will race.
Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt has had an exceptional year, showcasing his dominance in giant slalom. Odermatt sealed the deal by clinching the GS globe for the third consecutive season. His remarkable performance includes winning all nine 2023-24 regular-season World Cup GS races, setting him on an impressive streak of 12 consecutive GS World Cup victories over the past two seasons. This puts him just shy of Ingemar Stenmark’s all-time record of 14 consecutive wins. With the finals ahead, Odermatt has the chance to come within one consecutive victory of Stenmark’s feat.
Top twenty-five 2024 regular-season World Cup giant slalom standings
Click on images to enlarge
Nations Cup Men’s GS bragging rights
In the unofficial GS Men’s Nations Cup competition, Switzerland leads the pack with an impressive 1878 points, showcasing their dominance in the discipline. The Norwegians trail behind, a substantial 679 points adrift. Among the North American teams, the Stifel US Ski Team, with the help of independent skier Patrick Kenney, holds the 8th position with 306 points, while Canada follows closely behind in 12th place with 45 points.
Men’s GS Nations Cup totals
U.S. skiers competing
North American athletes will be present in the GS finals. Ryder Sarchett is a notable qualifier and a member of the NCAA National Champions, the University of Colorado, and the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Sarchett, the Junior World Champion, secured his title and qualified on February 2nd in St. Jean d’Aulps, France. His inclusion adds excitement to the competition as he joins River Radamus from the Stifel US Ski Team.
Radamus, enjoying his career-best season, notched his first podium and finished the season ranked 9th in GS. His podium marked a significant moment for US Men’s GS skiing, being the first since Tommy Ford’s achievement in December 2020. Despite being the sole North American to qualify among the season’s top 25, Radamus will be joined by Sarchett in Saalbach for the finals, enhancing the North American presence in the prestigious event.
North Americans on the start list for the Saturday, March 16th Saalbach Giant Slalom
- Bib 10, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
- Bib 23, Ryder Sarchett, University of Colorado, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK
There are 23 racers from 11 countries on tomorrow’s men’s World Cup Finals GS start list.
With Odermatt’s dominance, the battle for podium spots, and the pride of nations on the line, the Men’s World Cup Finals GS promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the best of alpine skiing talent from around the globe.
How to watch the Saturday, March 16th Saalbach men’s World Cup giant slalom finals
The men’s first GS run will begin at 4:00 am Eastern Time, 1:00 am Pacific Time, and 9:00 am Central European Time. The second run will start at 7:00 am Eastern, 4:00 am Pacific, and noon Central European Time.
In Canada, sports enthusiasts can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports
In the USA, the men’s World Cup finals GS will be available to view live and as a replay on the Peacock streaming service and live on Outside Watch.
First run men’s start list and daily program for Saturday, March 16th Saalbach World Cup giant slalom finals
Click on the start list and program to download
Daily program for Saturday, March 16th Saalbach World Cup giant slalom finals
[ad_2]
Source link
