Title to be Decided at Finals

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Who is racing in the Saalbach Men’s SG Finals, when, and how to watch on Friday, March 22nd.

On Friday, March 22nd, all eyes will be on Saalbach, Austria, as the men’s super-G event unfolds, marking a crucial moment in the World Cup Finals. The culmination of a season filled with intense competition and standout performances sets the stage for an exhilarating showdown.

Austrian Vincent Kriechmayr, with wins in Val Gardena and Kvitfjell, enters the finals as a formidable contender. His consistency and skill have kept him in the title chase. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, victorious in Bormio and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, leads the super-G standings by a substantial 81-point margin, putting him in a strong position to clinch the title.

The final race not only determines the super-G champion but also shapes the narrative of the season. With Odermatt aiming to secure his third title of the season and Kriechmayr seeking a chance to challenge the Swiss skier’s dominance, Friday’s race promises high stakes and intense competition.

As the top 15 racers score points at the finals, every run becomes pivotal in deciding the season’s outcome. For Odermatt, a finish of 13th place or better would secure the title regardless of Kriechmayr’s performance. However, Kriechmayr’s only path to the title involves Odermatt not finishing 13th or better and securing a victory himself, making the race a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.

The lineup of qualified athletes is diverse, with seven nations featuring among the top 25. Switzerland leads with seven qualifiers, followed closely by Austria with six. Italy and Canada boast three qualifiers each, while the USA, Norway, and France have two representatives each. Italy’s Max Perathoner, the reigning Junior World Champion, adds depth to the qualified Italian roster, enhancing the competition’s international flavor.

Top 25 2024 season men’s World Cup downhill standings

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Men’s SG Nations Cup bragging rights

The unofficial Nations Cup team competition in men’s super-G adds an extra layer of excitement to the World Cup season, offering prestigious bragging rights among nations. Switzerland leads the charge in the men’s super-G Nations Cup, boasting a significant 193-point lead over Austria, setting the stage for a battle at the finals. The Canadians hold a solid 5th place position with 388 points, demonstrating their prowess in super-G skiing. Meanwhile, Stifel US Ski Team holds a strong 6th place ranking with a total of 291 points, showcasing their competitive spirit on the global stage.

Men’s SG Nations Cup standings

North Americans

Five North American athletes showcased their skill among the top 25 super-G racers from the regular season. Leading the pack was Canadian standout Jeffrey Read, who impressively ended the regular season ranked 7th overall, qualifying for his second World Cup Finals in super-G. Read’s stellar performance included a career-first World Cup podium finish, securing second place in Kvitfjell, Norway.

Following closely behind was Canadian reigning World Champion James Crawford, who displayed consistent skill throughout the regular season, ending with a ranking of 12th.

Representing the Stifel US Ski Team, Olympic medalist Ryan Cochran-Siegle showcased his talent with a solid 19th place ranking in the regular season standings.

Another Canadian athlete making waves in the super-G discipline was Cameron Alexander, who ended the regular season ranked 20th, highlighting Canada’s depth. Rounding out the North American qualifiers is Stifel US Ski Team’s Jared Goldberg, who concluded the regular season with a commendable 23rd place ranking, adding to the excitement of North American representation at the World Cup Finals.

North Americans who are racing in the Friday, March 22nd Saalbach World Cup SG Finals.

• Bib 2, Jared Goldberg, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Educational Foundation, Rossignol, LOOK
• Bib 7, Jeffrey Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
• Bib 16, Cameron Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 19, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 20, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Stifel USST, Mt Mansfield Ski Academy, Cochran’s Ski Club, HEAD

With Saalbach’s challenging competition and the season’s dramatic narrative as the backdrop, Friday’s men’s super-G promises to deliver thrilling moments as the world’s top alpine skiers vie for glory and honor on the grand stage of the World Cup Finals.

How to watch the Friday, March 22nd Saalbach World Cup SG Finals

The men start at 6:30 am Eastern Time, 3:30 am Pacific Time and 11:30 CET.

In Canada, sports enthusiasts can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports

In the USA, the women’s World Cups in Kitzbühel will be available for viewing live and as a replay on the Peacock streaming service.

Start list and race program for Friday, March 22nd Saalbach World Cup SG Finals

Click on the start list and program to download

Daily program for Friday’s March 22nd Saalbach World Cup SG Finals