Cochran-Siegle Fourth in Kitzbühel Downhill

Ryan Cochran-Siegle posted his best race of the season, a fourth place result in the Kitzbühel downhill -- a mere one hundredth off of the podium. 

“My focus today was trying to make the best turns I could and crossing the finish line," said Cochran-Siegle, who holds an Olympic silver medal from the 2022 Beijing Games. "I had no idea what was going to happen, so I am happy."

It snowed overnight and into the morning causing a slight delay to the men’s downhill start. However the weather did a big 180 from snow in the morning to sun in the afternoon. The racers all commented that the track was very slick in some sections and grippy in others, which made for an interesting day of results on the famed downhill course. 

Cochran-Siegle’s confidence has been building race after race and it was clear he was skiing with grit and newfound confidence. He was in and out of the green all the way down and punched it to the line just 0.01 behind Swiss skier Marco Odermatt. Cochran-Siegle ended the day in fourth place, ready to risk it all for the Hahnenkammrennen on Saturday. 

“I gave it my best! Of course it would be great to be on the podium but I am really enjoying skiing this track,” said Cochran-Siegle. “The track is so unique and historical and it's cool to ski it and fight to ski fast. Plus the best part is I get to ski it again tomorrow and I am not changing a thing with the approach.”

Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Sam Morse also had a strong day of skiing landing in 19th place. He has had good sections throughout the run and felt good with his result. 

“When you can kick out of the gate with confidence and execute your plan it's great,” said Morse. “I am going to clean up a few more turns and be cleaner with the turns for tomorrow.” 

Bryce Bennett also landed in the top 30 in the 25th position. Jared Goldberg finished in 32nd place, Wiley Maple in 45th and Kyle Negomir in 54th. The winner of the race was French skier Cyprien Sarrazin, second place was Italian Florian Schieder and third place was Odermatt. 

The men will bring their successful day into the classic Hahnenkammrennen for the thousands of spectators ready for a show on the track. The action begins at 5:30 a.m. ET on Peacock. 

RESULTS
Men's downhill 

HOW TO WATCH 
5:30 a.m. - men's downhill/Hahnenkammrennen, Kitzbühel, Austria - Peacock