Cochran-Siegle Top 15 on Lauberhornrennen
On Saturday’s classic Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen, Switzerland Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ryan Cochran-Siegle landed 15th to secure the best spot for the Americans. Bryce Bennett was not too far off in 20th.
“It was an OK day,” said Cochran-Siegle. “I think after Gardena I was honestly trying to get some confidence too and I did.”
It was an atypical day on the classic downhill. Normally it is the longest downhill of the year with times posting well over 2 minutes and 30 seconds, but today it was cut almost in half due to strong winds, forcing a lower start.
Despite the changes the show had to go on in front of the thousands of fans that annually attend. Bennett drew bib one and was first to kick out. As he could hear the roaring behind him he knew he needed to give it his best shot.
“I'm just struggling a little bit to find the confidence,” said Bennett. “In downhill it's getting better, but I just need a little bit more time.”
Bennett would ultimately land 20th. His best result this season after a slow start to the year in the speed disciplines. Teammate Cochran-Siegle would run shortly behind Bennett. He skied with force but over did it in a few areas that were crucial for time on the shortened course. He would end up 15th.
“It was a cool start lower in a sense and kicking out and seeing the huge crowd on the hillside,” said Cochran-Siegle. “Hearing that crowd roar was pretty special. I think sometimes I was pushing too hard and not quite connected through the transition.”
Teammates Sam Morse, Wiley Maple, Kyle Negomir, Erik Arvidsson and Jared Goldberg also raced and landed in 32nd, 35th, 41st, 42nd and 49th.
The next men’s speed races will take place in Kitzbuhël, Austria Jan. 23-24.
RESULTS
men's downhill
