The fan parade ahead of Saturday's downhill classic has long been an integral part of the World Cup stage in Val Gardena/Gröden. This year, too, a large number of international ski enthusiasts transformed the fan event into a colorful event full of good cheer.

The parade traditionally takes place on Saturday before the downhill race and starts in the center of St. Christina. With flags, banners, imaginative costumes and loud battle cries, the ski fans create a great atmosphere and march together towards the finish stadium on the Saslong. The focus is not only on enthusiasm for skiing, but also on fun and socializing.

This year, Stefan Rieser's fan club showcased exceptional creativity. The supporters of the Austrian speed racer traveled to South Tyrol as a fan club for their very first World Cup race with a crowd of over 40 people, inspiring spectators and the jury alike. With their atmospheric performance, the Rieser fan club, which is led by Stefan's cousin Simon, beat around a dozen other fan clubs to take victory in the fan march at their inaugural participation.

As winners of the fan parade, the Rieser fans can look forward to free tickets for the World Cup stage in Gröden in 2025. A total of 20 free tickets are available to the fan club.