Austria's Vincent Kriechmayr Wins at Beaver Creek, CO, as Heavy Weather Cuts Super-G Short After 31 Racers - SnowBrains

"What began as a promising, powder-covered race day on the Birds of Prey course in Beaver Creek, Colorado, turned into a battle against snowfall, visibility, and rising winds on Friday, December 5, ultimately forcing FIS officials to halt the men's Super-G after many race interruptions and 31 racers. Despite the difficult conditions, the crowd witnessed a spectacular-if abbreviated-show, highlighted by a dominant performance from Austria's Vincent Kriechmayr and an electrifying run from American River Radamus."

"The morning opened with thick snowfall after Thursday's bluebird weather, but the fresh snow didn't dampen the enthusiasm of fans in the finish area. Canada's James Crawford kicked off the Super-G with a 1:08.07, establishing the early benchmark. Italy's Giovanni Franzoni missed it, but Austria's Stefan Eichberger found just enough speed to edge Crawford by two hundredths of a second. Austria continued to apply pressure when Stefan Babinsky slotted in 0.16 seconds behind Eichberger, suggesting the 1:08 range might define the day."

"That assumption lasted until Kriechmayr charged out of the gate as the sixth starter. His run was clinical and powerful. Kriechmayr built a half-second advantage on the upper section, navigated the soft, slowing snow in the Screeching Owl segment with remarkable precision, and crossed the line in 1:06.77-ultimately 1.26 seconds ahead of the early leaders. It was a return to form on familiar ground for the Austrian, who previously won on this course in 2017."

Heavy snowfall and rising winds forced FIS officials to stop the men's Super-G at Beaver Creek after 31 racers, following multiple interruptions and deteriorating visibility. The day opened under thick snow but enthusiastic fans watched early benchmarks set by Canada's James Crawford (1:08.07) and narrow improvements from Austria's Stefan Eichberger and Stefan Babinsky. Austria's Vincent Kriechmayr dominated as the sixth starter, posting 1:06.77, 1.26 seconds clear, by building a half-second lead on the upper section and navigating soft snow in the Screeching Owl segment. Three-time Birds of Prey winner Marco Odermatt and American River Radamus also produced notable efforts.

Read at SnowBrains