After the challenging sprint downhill race, the organizers of the 58th Saslong Classic drew a positive conclusion at the team captains' meeting on Thursday evening.

Rainer Senoner, president of the Saslong Classic Club, thanked everyone involved for their efforts under difficult conditions: “A big thank you to the jury, the coaches, and everyone who contributed to the race. We did everything we could to ensure that this race could be held as scheduled.”

Technical delegate Peter Namberger agreed with Senoner and spoke of a “very extended downhill race.” He said it had been the right decision to wait and then finish the race.

“It was a very long day that required a lot of patience. We knew it would be challenging, but we pulled it off well,” emphasized FIS Race Director Markus Waldner. Towards the end of the race, the course became a little faster – a development that some young athletes with high start numbers were able to take advantage of.

The only downside of the race day was the injuries sustained by Italy's Nicolò Molteni and Norway's Fredrik Møller, who were injured in crashes. Both athletes were wished a speedy recovery during the meeting.

“Looking ahead to the two races on Friday and Saturday, the weather should help us, as it is set to become colder and sunnier. We need this change in weather, because the slope has already suffered a little,” Waldner concluded.

On Friday, the second of a total of three races is on the program on the Saslong with the super-G. The super-G will start at 11:45 am.