Ryan Cochran-Siegle Leads Olympic Downhill Training with Fastest Time
In the vibrant setting of Bormio, Italy, American skier Ryan Cochran-Siegle clocked the fastest time in the opening downhill training for the Milan Cortina Games. His time was a notable 0.16 seconds quicker than Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni, who is enjoying a stellar season. Swiss skier Marco Odermatt followed closely, finishing 0.40 seconds behind Cochran-Siegle.
Challenging Conditions on the Stelvio Slope
The Stelvio slope is notorious for its fierce demands, pushing athletes to their limits. Measuring nearly 3,230 meters in length, it features a vertical drop of 986 meters and a maximum gradient of 63%. Racers have reached incredible speeds of around 140 kph (87 mph) on this challenging track.
Downhill Training Insights
- Cochran-Siegle’s performance fosters confidence heading into the main event.
- Wednesday’s session was the first of three leading up to the main race on Saturday.
- Durante the training, mistakes lead to severe consequences, as seen in recent accidents.
While Cochran-Siegle’s training times are promising, they serve primarily for practice rather than a definitive gauge of competition readiness. This session marks the third Winter Olympics for Cochran-Siegle, who previously captured a silver medal at the Beijing Games in 2022.
The legacy of excellence runs in his family, as his mother, Barbara Ann Cochran, won the slalom title at the 1972 Sapporo Games.
Serious Injuries and Safety Concerns
Tragic incidents serve as reminders of the risks involved in the sport. Fredrik Møller from Norway faced a severe crash and required airlift to a hospital after sliding down the slope. Initially returning to his feet, he ultimately dislocated his left shoulder.
| Athlete | Country | Incident | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fredrik Møller | Norway | Crash – dislocated shoulder | Receiving treatment |
| Cyprien Sarrazin | France | Crash – brain surgery | Not returned to competition |
Bormio remains a key location on the men’s World Cup circuit, with a history of challenging conditions. In December 2024, two skiers were also airlifted following incidents during the races.
As Cochran-Siegle leads the charge, the road to Olympic glory is fraught with challenges, but his swift training time signals strong potential for success.
