The first of two training runs for the downhill classic on the Saslong was held in Val Gardena/Gröden on Wednesday. On a shortened course, US skier Jared Goldberg clocked the best time … somewhat surprisingly.

Leaving all the competition behind, Goldberg swung off after 1:25.48 minutes in the first training session, which was started from the super-G start due to fog banks in the uppermost section of the course. The 29-year-old, who has never finished better than ninth in the World Cup, was followed by his teammate Bryce Bennett and Val Gardena/Gröden specialist Kjetil Jansrud of Norway both tied for second place. Fourth and fifth place went to Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (Norway) and Max Franz (Austria), two athletes who have already won on the Saslong.

Italy's speed specialists were found at the back of the field in the first training session. The best Azzurro was Dominik Paris from the Ulten valley, who finished 21. Christof Innerhofer from Gais was 25th, while all the other Italians, including the young Florian Schieder from nearby Castelrotto/Kastelruth (5th), had to settle for a place outside the top 30.

The second training run is scheduled for Thursday on the Saslong. Start is at 11:45 am, Eurosport will broadcast the training live. .

The complete list of results of the first downhill training is available here.