Milan-Cortina 2026: The Race for Gold Begins Early!
The Alpine Thrill: Men's Downhill Training Takes Center Stage
Even prior to the formal opening festivities, the competitive spirit of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games was ignited with the commencement of men's alpine skiing downhill training. Athletes took to the demanding slopes, preparing for one of the most exhilarating and challenging events in winter sports.
Ryan Cochran-Siegle Leads the Pack in Initial Practice Run
In the very first official training session, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, the silver medalist from the Beijing 2022 Super-G event, showcased exceptional speed and precision. He recorded the fastest time, completing the course in an impressive 1 minute and 56.08 seconds, signaling his strong contention for a medal.
Favorites and Challengers Showcase Skills
Switzerland's Marco Odermatt, widely considered a top favorite for the downhill title, secured the third-fastest time in training. His compatriot, Franjo von Allmen, who recently triumphed in the last World Cup downhill race before the Olympics in Crans-Montana, placed seventh, further underscoring the Swiss team's strength. Austrian former world champion Vincent Kriechmayr also demonstrated his competitive edge, finishing sixth.
Dramatic Incident: Norwegian Skier's Helicopter Evacuation
During the intense training period, a concerning incident occurred involving Norwegian ski racer Frederik Möller. He experienced a severe crash on the piste, necessitating his immediate removal from the course via helicopter for medical attention, highlighting the inherent risks and dangers of the sport.
Upcoming Downhill Medal Event and Curling Round Robin
The highly anticipated men's downhill medal event is scheduled to take place on Saturday in Bormio, where athletes will vie for Olympic glory. Concurrently, the Olympic agenda on Tuesday also included the initiation of the round robin stage for the curling mixed doubles competition, showcasing strategic play and teamwork on the ice.