The 55th Saslong Classic was kicked off on Monday with the awarding of the winner of last year's DOLOMITES Val Gardena Südtirol Ski Trophy. Bryce Bennett was honored in the context of a harmonious celebration on Lisa's Alm on the legendary downhill course in Val Gardena/Gröden. On Tuesday, 13 December, the first and probably only downhill training is scheduled starting at 11:45 am.

Bryce Bennett won the downhill race in Val Gardena/Gröden last year. This success was enough for the American to also capture the DOLOMITES Val Gardena Südtirol Ski Trophy. This special prize is awarded to the ski racer who collects the most World Cup points on the Saslong. In addition to an additional prize money of Euros 5000 and a short vacation in Val Gardena, a life-size wooden bust will also be made in his honor in collaboration with 3DW.

This bust was unveiled on Monday at Lisa's Alm directly on the Saslong by Christina Demetz (DOLOMITES Val Gardena) and Bryce Bennett. "Val Gardena/Gröden is my absolute favorite race, and I always look forward to coming back here. The scenery, the culture, and all the nice people make the World Cup races very special. And on top of that, we Americans are always very fast here. So let's hope it will be the same this year," said Bennett, who has not yet been able to shine in the two downhill races of the new season so far, finishing 45th (Lake Louise) and 26th (Beaver Creek).

Great support from DOLOMITES Val Gardena for the Saslong Classic Club.
Rainer Senoner, president of the Saslong Classic Club, wished Bennett and his teammates all the best in anticipation of the 55th Saslong Classic. "We have a long friendship with Team USA. I congratulate Bryce Bennett on last year's victory from the bottom of my heart and hope with him that, he will be able to fulfill his potential again this year. The DOLOMITES Val Gardena Südtirol Ski Trophy is a great project, which is only possible because of the excellent cooperation with our tourism organizations. I want to thank DOLOMITES Val Gardena for their support over the years and hope we can continue to build on it in the future," Senoner affirmed.

The 55th Saslong Classic will be officially opened on Monday evening, with the first team leaders meeting at 8 pm in Selva. On Tuesday, 13 December, the first and only training session is scheduled starting at 11:45 am. Provided that this happens, a rest day will be scheduled on Wednesday in consultation with the FIS - to give a preventive break to those athletes who will also be competing in Alta Badia following the races in Val Gardena/Gröden. The first race in Val Gardena/Gröden will be held on Thursday, 15 December. Then, the downhill race that recently had to be canceled in Beaver Creek will be made up on the Saslong. On Friday, 16 December, the super-G will be the 100th World Cup race in Val Gardena/Gröden. It will start at 11:45 am, just like the classic downhill on Saturday. It is the highlight and conclusion of what will hopefully be another spectacular speed week at the foot of the Sassolungo/Langkofel mountain.