The Lauberhorn switches to competition mode

The Lauberhorn and its majestic scenery are the stage of one of the most traditional and iconic downhill held annually in Wengen for the 89th time. The longest downhill of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Tour, as well as an alpine combined and a slalom expect the best athletes of the world this week-end.

With European Cup races held on the same track last week, the course was race ready on the week before, but heavy snowfalls in the previous day forced the organisers to work on the 4.5 km long course again and forced the cancellation of the first training run.

The kick-off has been given with a first downhill training yesterday. Beat Feuz, last years’ winner and the current leader of the discipline standings, laid down the fastest time. Switzerland’s globe winner isn’t known for its brilliant training performances, but yesterday, his clean line and smooth skiing still awarded him with the first place. He finished his run in 2:29:49, ahead of his fellow countryman Mauro Caviezel (+1.16) and the double Olympic Champion Matthias Mayer (+1.27).

Today, the second training run couldn’t be held from the top start, as the start time had to be advanced to 10:30. So to ensure circulation and make sure all the athletes reach the top in time, the training started from the alpine combined start. Dominik Paris is the one who handled the shorted track the best. The winner of the last downhill in Bormio was followed by the Frenchman Johan Clarey and Austria’s Matthias Mayer.

Tomorrow, the World Cup circuit goes back to competition mode, with the first alpine combined of the season, starting at 10:30 for the slalom leg and 14:00 for the downhill run. On Saturday, the downhill will start at 12:30 and the slalom will conclude the racing weekend on Sunday with a start at 10:15 and 13:15.

Results are available here: Downhill Training 1   -   Downhill Training 2