At the team leaders' meeting in Selva/Wolkenstein on Wednesday, the organizers of the 58th Saslong Classic analyzed the canceled downhill training and gave a brief preview of Thursday's sprint downhill.

Due to the weather conditions, it quickly became clear on Wednesday morning that a regular training run would not be feasible, according to FIS Race Director Markus Waldner: "The decision to cancel the training was made quickly and was the only right one. There was rain in the lower section and around three to four centimeters of snow in the upper section. After the camel humps, the slope was very wet." Under these conditions, training would have put unnecessary strain on the course.

Instead of training, the focus on Wednesday was on targeted preparation for the three speed races, which will kick off on Thursday with the sprint downhill. The course will be intensively groomed until the start of the race: in addition to the snow groomers, heavier equipment will also be used in the upper section of the course – but only outside the race line.

Waldner outlined two possible scenarios for the shortened downhill, which will be run from the super-G start: "The rain is forecast to ease. If nighttime temperatures do not drop sufficiently, salt will need to be applied to the race line and along the outer sections of the course. With some cooperation from Mother Nature, this measure should not be necessary."

Another topic discussed at the meeting was the forerunner rule. In order to ensure high-quality forerunners, each top nation will provide a forerunner from its own ranks for the sprint downhill, who will not take part in the race. A total of five forerunners are planned, including Max Perathoner from Wolkenstein. Two other Italian racers are available as reserve forerunners.

The sprint downhill on Thursday starts at 11:45 am.