A Thrilling Men’s Battle on the Swiss Slopes!

9 months ago

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Peter Lange

Wegen GEPA pictures/ Mario Buehner-Weinrauch

Who is racing, when, and how to watch the Friday, January 12th World Cup super-G in Wengen, Switzerland

Prepare for a dramatic showdown in Wengen, Switzerland, as the Men’s World Cup super-G takes center stage on January 12th. The season has witnessed two thrilling super-G races, setting the stage for an intense battle inside the gates.

Wengen’s super-G course, known for its more extended and less dramatic turns, typically favors downhill skiers. Last season’s victor, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, clinched the top spot, with home-country heroes Stefan Rogentin and Marco Odermatt securing second and third place, respectively. Ryan Cochran-Siegle emerged as the leading North American, finishing a solid 6th.

This season’s first super-G in Val Gardena / Gröden, Italy, showcased Austrian sensation Vincent Kriechmayr edging out his teammate Daniel Hemetsberger by a mere 0.02 seconds. Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, the 2023 super-G champion, trailed closely (+0.03) in third. In a nail-biting race, Canadian James “Jack” Crawford, the reigning World Champion, finished 6th, just 0.15 seconds behind Kriechmayr.

Odermatt dominated again in Bormio’s Stelvio, claiming victory by nearly a second. Austria’s Raphael Haaser secured the second spot, while Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde finished third. Canadian Jeffrey Read emerged as the top North American in 13th place.

As the super-G standings unfold, Odermatt leads with a slim 10-point margin over Kriechmayr, setting the stage for fierce competition. The atmosphere will be electric as Odermatt, the Swiss crowd’s favorite, will have 30,000 fans rallying behind him.

The Wengen super-G promises to be a spectacle of skill, speed, and determination as these athletes vie for supremacy on the Swiss slopes.

Top-ranked super-G racers after Bormio

Click on images to enlarge

Among the North Americans, the Canadian contingent is making waves. The season’s standings see a strong performance from the top-ranked Canadian, Crawford, who is 6th in the season’s standings, trailing Odermatt by 105 points. Jeffrey Read follows closely in 8th place, showcasing consistency with 10th and 13th place finishes in Val Gardena and Bormio, respectively.

Jared Goldberg is the highest-ranked Stifel US Ski Team member in 13th place, while Canadian Cameron Alexander, despite limited finishes, impressed with a remarkable 7th place in Val Gardena. With 18 points from Val Gardena, Bryce Bennett holds the 28th spot, while Ryan Cochran-Siegle, the Olympic silver medalist, aims for a comeback after a slow start to his super-G season.

Rounding up the Stifel US Ski Team, Kyle Negomir and Sam Morse have contributed to the team’s success, securing 34th and 39th spots, respectively, in the super-G standings.

The Wengen super-G promises to be a spectacle of skill, speed, and determination as these athletes vie for supremacy on the Swiss slopes.

North Americans with 2024 super-G World Cup points

North Americans competing in the January 12th Wengen super-G

Bib 1, Jeffrey Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
Bib 12, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD, Level Gloves
Bib 16, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Stifel USST, Mt Mansfield Ski Academy, Cochran’s Ski Club, HEAD
Bib 24, Riley Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Montana State University, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
Bib 27, Jared Goldberg, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Educational Foundation, Rossignol, LOOK
Bib 29, Brodie Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
Bib 31, Cameron Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
Bib 35, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
Bib 39, Kyle Negomir, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Atomic, Level Gloves
Bib 56, Sam Morse, Stifel USST, Carrabassett Valley Academy, Fischer, TOKO
Bib 58, Kyle Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
Bib 61, Bryce Bennett, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Fischer, Level Gloves

Sixty-two racers from 11 nations will participate in the Friday, January 12th Wengen World Cup super-G.

About Wengen

estled at an elevation of around 4,200 ft., the quaint village of Wengen is located above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This traditional Swiss settlement, with its Victorian hotels and charming chalets, provides a relaxed atmosphere that captures the essence of a picturesque mountain village.

With its breathtaking views and drenched in sunshine, Wengen is an ideal spot for visitors seeking a tranquil retreat. The village has become a beloved retreat for affluent British visitors, drawn year after year to its alluring charm. With its allure and proximity to the lake and Interlaken, Wengen caters to a diverse range of tastes.

For those seeking adventure, Wengen serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region, a special place for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. The iconic Eiger north face, renowned as one of the world’s most challenging climbing faces, can be observed from the vantage point of Kleine Scheidegg. Dating back to 1893, the car-free village has been seamlessly connected to Lauterbrunnen through the Wengernalp Railway, providing convenient access to the heart of the Jungfraujoch region.

WENGEN, SWITZERLAND, 08.JAN.24 – FIS World Cup, the train in Wengen. Photo: GEPA pictures/ Mathias Mandl

Taking an excursion becomes a seamless journey from Wengen, with the option to witness the awe-inspiring Eiger north face or travel further to the iconic Jungfraujoch. For those inclined to explore further, the Schilthorn summit awaits, accessible via Mürren or Stechelberg from the enchanting valley floor resort of Lauterbrunnen. In Wengen, the journey is as special as the destination, making it an irresistible stop for both seasoned travelers and first-time visitors.