Marco Odermatt Wins First Alpine Ski World Cup Downhill of the Season in Beaver Creek

After winning the Giant Slalom season opener in Soelden and the first Super-G of the season in Copper Mountain, Marco Odermatt secured his third win of the season with a consistent performance in the first Alpine Ski World Cup Downhill of the season at the Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek. He finished 0.30 seconds ahead of US skier Ryan Cochran-Siegle. Meanwhile, Norwegian Adrian Smiseth Sejersted secured third place, finishing 0.69 seconds behind the leader.

Finally, after two second places, Odermatt celebrated his first Downhill victory in Beaver Creek. The 28-year-old prevailed on Saturday in perfect conditions on the Birds of Prey shortened course and looks unbeatable in any discipline. With his 48th Alpine Ski World Cup victory, his fifth in the Downhill, the Swiss skier is leading the Overall standings and is on track for his fifth consecutive World Cup title.

"I’ve finished second here twice before, so I’m really very happy with this win. I had a good feeling; the skis were a perfect fit. When you feel that on your feet, you can attack perfectly. That makes a big difference. The fact that I was able to win in all three of my disciplines at the start of the season shows that I did a lot of things right in my preparation," Odermatt said in an ORF interview.

Cochran-Siegle’s second place is the first time in more than 10 years that a U.S skier has stepped onto the podium in Beaver Creek since Steven Nyman finished third here in 2014. It's his 4th World Cup podium.

"I’ve had a lot of years trying to do this. It’s funny, I feel like when you’re trying less hard, it actually kind of comes your way. Still learning, 33 years old, and I’m still learning every day," said Cochran-Siegle.

Adrian Smiseth Sejersted claimed his first downhill World Cup podium, and his third overall. The previous two came in super-G events.

"I knew I had a good chance today, and I made a good run. I just hoped it was fast enough. I’m very satisfied. Beautiful day," Sejersted said.

Wearing bib number 1, 30-year-old Niels Hintermann took part in his first World Cup race today, 14 months after receiving his shocking lymphoma diagnosis. He finished in 20th place.