There is only one venue in North America where a ski enthusiast can witness a World Cup Men's Downhill race live and in the flesh, and that's the Bird's of Prey World Cup, located in Beaver Creek/Vail, Colorado. A little history behind the event: The racecourse was designed by the Olympic gold medalist, Bernard Russi (Switzerland), built in the summer of 1997, and was put to the test for the 1999 World Alpine Ski Championships. An estimated 20,000 spectators filled the hillside to watch U.S. downhill racing make history that year. Australian, Hermann Maier, walked away with the championship, and will be back again this year to regain the 10th Anniversary of his title.
The Birds of Prey racecourse is one of the top five in the world, and attracts top skiers from all corners of the earth. A few of the popular favorites to keep your eye on for this years competition is three time Birds of Prey winner, Aksel Lund Svindal; Olympic medalist, Bode Miller (also with 3 Birds of Prey wins); 9-time World Cup winner, Didier Cuche; Olympic medalist, Ted Ligety; 4-time Olympic medalist, Benjamin Raich; 14-time World Cup winner, Michael Walchhofer; and 4-time Olympic medalist, Hermann Maier (also with 6 Birds of Prey wins).
The competition is looking fierce this year, with several veterans returning to defend their title, along with a couple relative newcomers looking to take it away. Each year the Birds of Prey World Cup offers the thrill of lightning speeds, breathtaking jumps, and title-losing collisions. The average gradient of the 757 meter course is 27 percent, but switches to 45 percent during the middle and final third of the course. It is not unusual for a skier to reach 80 mph by the time they are halfway through the course, which unfortunately is when many of the catastrophic crashes occur during the race.
The World Cup starts at 9 AM (8 AM for VIP), and runs throughout the day, tapering off at 4PM. Everyone is invited to attend this event, and it is completely free to the public.
Event Schedule:
12/06/09
8am-2pm: VIP Tent, Birds of Prey Finish Area
9am - 2:30pm: Public Festivities at Birds Nest Red Tail deck
9:45am: Men’s GS Race – Run 1
12:45pm: Men’s GS Race – Run 2
The award ceremonies will follow immediately after the Giant Slalom event.
