The sprint downhill on Thursday is the first of three speed races to kick off the XXL World Cup weekend in Val Gardena/Gröden. There are many contenders for victory on the shortened course starting from the super-G start – but one name clearly stands out: Marco Odermatt.

The reigning winner of the overall and downhill World Cups not only won the last downhill race on the Saslong, but was also unbeatable in the only downhill race this winter in Beaver Creek. The exceptional Swiss skier also underlined his dominance in the first downhill training session with a superior best time. At present, the 28-year-old appears to be competing in a league of his own.

In addition to Odermatt, there are a number of other athletes in the Swiss downhill team who are capable of accomplishing great things: rising star Franjo von Allmen (second in last year's downhill), Alexis Monney (fourth in training), Justin Murisier, and Stefan Rogentin are all capable of top finishes on the Saslong at any time.

What's in store for the US boys and the veterans?

The traditionally strong Americans are also ones to watch in Val Gardena/Gröden. Two-time Saslong winner Bryce Bennett, who won the last sprint downhill two years ago, is just as much a favorite as Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who regularly performs well at the foot of the Sassolungo/Langkofel. The US duo has already confirmed its good form with fast times in training. Speaking of training, Austria's Daniel Hemetsberger also made a clear statement there with a second place.

The experienced Dominik Paris (Italy – third in training) and Vincent Kriechmayr (Austria) should not be underestimated either. While Paris won the classic downhill race in 2023, Kriechmayr has even three victories to his name in Val Gardena/Gröden between downhill and super-G. Incidentally, the Austrian celebrated his only downhill victory on a shortened course.

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who has already won the Val Gardena/Gröden downhill three times, is also among the active winners on the Saslong. However, after his long injury break, the Norwegian is going into this year's race as a clear underdog. Nevertheless, on the Saslong, anything is possible for the proven Val Gardena/Gröden specialist.

No matter who comes out on top in the end, the conditions for a thrilling race are definitely in place. The sprint downhill will start on Thursday at 11:45 am.