The downhill competition in Kitzbühel is the most watched and most famous alpine skiing competition in the world.
Who has won the most races on the Hahnenkamm slope? How long is the scary Streif course? Who set the time record? Who was the oldest and youngest winner?
Ahead of the 2023 World Speed ??Racing Championship, which will take place on January 20-21, we will answer these questions and take a look at some facts and statistics about this iconic event, which has an estimated 300 million viewers worldwide every year.
Kitzbühel downhill: When was the first race on the Streif?
Races have been organized in Kitzbühel since 1906, but the first event on the legendary zone were held in 1937. The races on Hahnenkamm then returned in 1946 and continue today excluding eight years (1952, 1964, 1970, 1971, 1988, 1993, 2005 and 2007).
Kitzbühel downhill: The key numbers of the Streif
The length of the Streif track is 3.312 km (2.058 mi). It starts at 1,665 m (5,463 ft) and ends at 805 m (2,641 ft) above sea level.
The average slope is 27 percent, with a maximum of 85 percent Mausefall Section. For more course stats, check out here.
Downhill in Kitzbühel: Record time
In 1997 Fritz Strobl Austria set the fastest time 1:51.58 along the entire 3.3 km route.
Kitzbühel descent: Record speed
another Austrian, Michael Walchhoferrecorded the highest speed 153 km/h in 2006.
Kitzbühel Downhill: Record for most victories
Didier Cuche from Switzerland has won the competition more times than anyone else: five (1998, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012). The previous record was held by Austria Karol Schranz and Franciszek Klammer with four. Swiss skiers Pirmin Zurbriggen, Franz Heinzer and Beat Feuz, Frenchman Luc Alphand and Dominik Paris from Italy scored three victories each.
Kitzbühel downhill: Youngest and oldest winner
Franz Klammer was 21 years and 46 days old when he won his first race at Hahnenkamm on January 18, 1975, and Didier Cuche was 37 years and 158 days old when he won the event for the fifth and final time on January 21, 2012.
Kitzbühel downhill: Which country has historically dominated the event?
Since Thaddeus Schwalbe won the first race at Streif in 1937, the Austrians have won the race 38 times. Switzerland is in second place with 21 wins.
Kitzbühel downhill: How many people watch this event every year?
Every year, around 90,000 spectators attend The Hahnenkamm Race weekend, and more than 300 million fans from around the world follow the races on television.
When will Kitzbühel 2023 take place?
Below is the race schedule for the Men’s World Cup in Kitzbühel, Austria.
Friday January 20, 2023
- Men’s Downhill from 11:30 a.m. CET (05:30 a.m. EST)
Saturday January 21, 2023
- Men’s Downhill from 11:30 a.m. CET (05:30 a.m. EST)
Sunday 22 January 2023
- Men’s Slalom – Heat 1: 10:30 CET (04:30 EST); Pass 2: 1:30 PM EST (07:30 AM EST)
How to watch the 2023 Alpine Ski World Cup in Kitzbühel
US fans can watch the races live on NBC/Peacock.
In Europe, all FIS Alpine Ski World Cup events are broadcast live Eurosport and Discovery+ digital platforms.
For more information on how to watch Team USA this World Cup season, click here here.
