Marco Odermatt Inspects the Kandahar: GEPA pictures
Men’s Kandahar Downhill Canceled After Training Run Called Off
Race Cancelation Overview
The Men’s Kandahar downhill at Garmisch was canceled after today’s scheduled training run did not take place. Clear skies covered most of the course, but dense fog at the bottom made that section unusable. FIS rules require that all sections of a downhill course must be trained before a race, but they do not need to be run continuously. This method has been used in the past, allowing different parts of a course to be trained separately to meet requirements. However, that approach was not used today.
Racer Vote Ends Alternative Plan
Race officials explored an alternative approach to salvage the event. The proposal was to hold a training session today that covered the course up to the Hölle (Hell) but did not include it. Then, tomorrow morning, they would complete training on the remaining section, ensuring a full-length race. This would have met the training requirement while still allowing the downhill to run.
However, the top 15 ranked racers unanimously voted against this plan. Without their support, the proposal was abandoned, and the race was officially canceled.
Kandahar’s Legacy and North American Success
The Kandahar downhill in Garmisch is one of the most storied tracks in Alpine ski racing history. It has hosted World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic races, with a legacy stretching back to Alpine skiing’s Olympic debut in 1936. That year, the men’s and women’s Olympic combined event was the only Alpine skiing competition included in the Games. The combined consisted of both downhill and slalom, making it the first official Olympic Alpine skiing event.
North American skiers have found success on the Kandahar for decades, leaving their mark on this historic race. Some of the most memorable men’s results include:
- Jimmie Heuga (USA) – 1964 Combined Winner
- Steve Podborski (CAN) – Downhill Winner (1981, 1982, 1984)
- Phil Mahre (USA) – Combined Champion (1981)
- Steve Mahre (USA) – Combined Champion (1982)
- Pete Patterson (USA) – Third place, 1978 World Championship Combined
- Daron Rahlves (USA) – Downhill Third Place (2003)
- Bode Miller (USA) – Downhill Third Place (2005)
- Erik Guay (CAN) – Downhill Third Place (2007 – First Race), Downhill Winner (2007 – Second Race), Downhill Third Place (2010), Super-G Winner (2010), Downhill Winner (2011 World Championships)
- Ted Ligety (USA) – Giant Slalom Third Place (2010, 2013, 2018), GS Winner (2011 World Championships)
- Travis Ganong (USA) – Downhill Winner (2017)
This long list of North American podium finishes underscores the importance of the Kandahar race to U.S. and Canadian skiers. The cancelation is a blow not only to the German hosts but also to the North American athletes who have historically thrived here.
The Race’s Unique Connection to the U.S. Military
Adding to its significance, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is home to a major U.S. military presence. The U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria – Garmisch installation supports the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies and the NATO School in Oberammergau. Since World War II, American military personnel and their families have lived and worked in the area, with many taking advantage of the Armed Forces Recreation Center to enjoy the Bavarian Alps.
The children of the U.S. military base community members have also formed a unique tradition at the Kandahar races. They wait at the start and the finish, eager to meet their ski racing heroes and collect autographs from the world’s best skiers. For these kids, who grow up far from home in an international setting, seeing and interacting with Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes is a unique and inspiring experience. The cancelation of this year’s race is a disappointment for the competitors and these young fans, who had been looking forward to meeting their favorite racers.
Course Conditions and Schedule
The decision to cancel came despite improving weather forecasts. Tomorrow is expected to bring clear skies, and the German Ski Federation (DSV) has invited both the U.S. and Canadian teams to an exclusive training session on the Kandahar course. Meanwhile, official World Championships downhill training begins Feb. 5 in Saalbach, Austria.
Classic Kandahar Course Layout
The sections of the Kandahar downhill include:
- Starthang (Starting Slope)
- S-Kurve (S-Curve)
- Tröglhang (Trögl Pitch)
- Olympia-Kurve (Olympic Curve)
- Panorama-Sprung (Panorama Jump)
- Schußanger (straight, fast descent without turning)
- Himmelreich (Heaven)
- Alte Quelle (Old Spring)
- Bödele (Bödele)
- Waldeck (85%) (Waldeck)
- Ramwiesen (Ram Meadows)
- Höllentor (Hell’s Gate)
- Hölle (Hell)
- FIS Schneise (FIS Track)
- Tauberschuss (straight, fast descent without turning)
- Finish
The Kandahar downhill is known for its steep gradients, high speeds, and technical challenges. It has long been a test of pure downhill ability, with some of the greatest skiers in history earning victories here. For many racers, winning or even standing on the podium at Garmisch is a defining moment in their careers.
Impact on Athletes and Stakeholders
The cancelation is especially disappointing for German fans, the German Ski Federation (DSV), and the U.S. Ski Team.
- The DSV faces a financial hit, losing revenue from the event while also risking higher event insurance premiums or cancellation of insurance in the future. If hosting costs continue to rise, the viability of this classic race could be in jeopardy.
- The U.S. Ski Team loses a key speed event before the World Championships, and American racers will miss out on the strong fan support they always receive in Garmisch. Many young fans, including the children of U.S. military employees, will miss the opportunity to interact with the racers, a tradition that has made this stop on the World Cup special.
The question remains: Would racers have voted differently if prize money amounts and contract bonuses had been structured differently? The unanimous decision by the top 15 suggests that they perceived the risk and logistics as outweighing any benefit of racing.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow’s weather is expected to be perfect so that the invite-only training will proceed. The DSV has invited U.S. and Canadian racers to take advantage of expensive training runs on the historic Kandahar. These sessions will be crucial in preparing for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Saalbach.
While this year’s race may not happen, the history of the Kandahar and its importance to ski racing remains undeniable. From its Olympic legacy to the success of North American racers to the deep ties with the U.S. military community, Garmisch-Partenkirchen holds a unique place in the sport. The hope is that the classic downhill will return stronger than ever next season.
