American Downhiller Podcast Episode #11

Breaking Down the Olympic Men’s DH

The boys woke up early today after watching the Beijing Olympic Men’s Downhill race and break it down. From the Training Run controversy to the awesomeness of the course to how the American Downhillers skied. All agree it was an amazing course and race and were riveted to the very end.

Lew, AJ, Daron and Marco also share their memories of their favorite Olympics and why. They collectively competed in 13 Olympic games ranging from the Sarajevo in 1984 where Bill Johnson shocked the World to 2014 when Bode gave us yet another thrilling race. Most talk about how the first Olympic experience stayed with them the longest.

They next discuss the “controversy” of cancelling the third training run as well as how the one day delay may have affected the racers. Each had similar experiences with delays in their Olympic experiences including an 7 day delay in Sarajevo and an 8 day delay in Nagano because of so much snow!

They all had praise for the new Olympic Downhill course which had everything you wanted in a course that will decide who walks away with a medal and who goes home empty handed. The terrain tested every racer and created a challenging puzzle to figure out after only two training runs. The blind knolls demanded confidence in your inspection and technical prowess. The speed increased everything including the forces and fear. But will this spectacular course ever be run again?

How was Feuz able to win by the slimmest of margins, just a tenth of a second over the 41 year-old vet from France? The boys break it down as well as share their thoughts on how RCS, “iced” Bryce, and Travis skied  in their runs. None were disappointed with the effort displayed by the American Downhillers.

Finally, as we look forward to the Super-G, they all give their picks on who will win Gold, Silver and Bronze. You don’t want to miss this Podcast and please share your picks with the boys at [email protected]. Also include a question for them to answer on the next podcast!

Listen on Apple or Spotify or watch exclusively on SkiRacing.com!

Episode #10:

This week on the American Downhiller Podcast Breezy Johnson checks in with Lew, Daron and Marco to talk about her Injury, recovery and all things speedy on the Women’s World Cup Downhill Circuit. They caught up with her in Vail a few days before her surgery to repair her knee that will keep her from her second Olympics.

Right off the bat, the crew talks about their Ski Racing Heroes growing up and how they motivated them to pursue their goals. Anja Paerson was the bomb to Breezy from the way she skied all five events to her famous “whale-slide” after each victory. Breezy also mentions how much Lindsey Vonn motivated her to set high goals and work hard to reach them.

After an update on her crash, injuries, and recovery plans, Breezy shares what she has learned from past injuries and recoveries that will help her recover tougher and stronger and faster this time around. This includes working her “good leg” a ton which helps both mentally and physically to bounce back faster and stronger.

They then talk about Sofia Goggia and their “rivalry”. Breezy breaks down Goggia’s skiing style and how it compares to hers. She also breaks down their relationship based on mutual respect. Lastly, the group talks about the “Bib Draw” and how some racers use it to get in competitor’s heads!

Breezy then shares what Women’s Team leaders Vonn, Cook, Ross and McKennis taught her when she was a rookie and just coming up the ranks. Each of those heroes taught her so much both technically and mentally. She also describes the “confident and calm” vibe that the Women’s team had when they were on top of the World. Then Breezy talks about how she is helping the newbies on the Women’s Team.

Finally, they talk about what Breezy thinks is the last things she needs to get her on TOP of the podium when she returns. She describes how she needs to generate more speed in places, needs to take care of the little things, as well as how training Super-G works best for her as it is the best bang for the buck.

Breezy ends with giving her predictions on who will ski away with the Gold, Silver and Bronze in the Women’s Olympic Downhill race.

Episode #9

This week’s Episode covers the craziest and most dangerous downhill course on the World Cup Circuit - Kitzbuhel’s Hahnenkahmm Downhill. From the Redbull Starthouse at the summit of the mountain, it winds its way down 2800 vertical feet to finish in the town of Kitzbuhel just feet from the train station. 50,000 fanatic fans will line cheering every racer as they take their turn at this wild course. If you win this downhill you instantly become a legend in the Ski World and even get a Gondola named after you.

This week, the American Downhillers Lew, AJ, Marco and Daron try to explain what it feels like to run this 2-mile monster while simultaneously trying to win AND stay alive. Marco describes what it’s like to crash his very first run down the Streif. Lew talks about vowing NEVER to run Kitzbuhel as a 15 year-old after seeing it for the first time as a sophomore at GMVS. AJ describes his historic run in 1992 landing him on the podium in second. And Daron takes us into his mind as he focused solely on being confident, present and ready to attack every run.

The boys take you turn by turn down this legendary course and give you a perfect visual to watch the races with this weekend. Learn all you need to know about the Maussefalle, Steilhang, Alte Schneise, Larchenschuss, Hausberg, Fallaway and Ziel Sprung. Listen in and discover what it is truly like to risk it all for the glory of a Kitzbuhel win.

And by the way, Daron won the Hahnenkahmm DH in 2003 - the only American racer to win in the modern World Cup era. He also won the Super-G in 2004! He shares what only winners know - what walking alone down the Sieger Strasse is like.

SHOW NOTES:

One Word to describe the Streif: Showtime - Consequential - Challenge

Their thoughts about the Hahnenkahmm course when they first heard about it as teenagers  

Most asked question - What is going through your mind when standing in the starting gate of Kitz

The Course from Start to finish - section by section. How the boys skied it and what to look for this weekend in the two Downhills.

From the Start to the Road through the Maussefalle, Compression, Carousel and Steilhang. 26 seconds of absolute madness where the course is trying to crush the racers and the racers are trying to attack the course right back.

Then onto the road where racers take their first full breath after the start and then switch their focus to aerodynamics and riding a flat ski. Then comes the Alte Schneise and the Seidlalm jump and Larchenschuss - super important sections where racers like Bode have lost the race by nat taking it seriously.

What it is like to be an American Downhiller on the podium in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

Finally the boys talk about the toughest 20 seconds in Downhill - from the Hausberg to the Finish. A section full of nightmares. They try and describe the feeling of free-falling down the Fallaway all the way to the finish.

AJ then describes making history with his Second Place finish in 1992 - the first American Downhiller in the modern era to Podium at Kitzbuhel. And how he used that to motivate Daron to raise his game at Kitz. And then the Hahnenkahmm Sieger Daron Rahlves shares his experience of standing on the podium in Austria.

Episode #8 - Wengen’s Lauberhorn Race

In this very special Episode, Lew, AJ, Daron and Marco talk about one of the most Iconic Downhills on the men’s World Cup circuit - the Lauberhorn in Wengen. This track has played a special role in the American Downhillers history. Bill Johnson shocked the world in 1984 and won the race with a crazy run in the snow that included going off the course and recovering to win by a small margin. It marked the first ever win by an American male in the Downhill discipline. Other US winners have been Kyle Rasmussen, Daron Rahlves and Bode Miller. The boys break down what each win meant to the Team.

Joining this week in a surprise guest appearance is NBC voice of World Cup skiing and fellow American Downhiller Steve Porino who shares his thoughts and insights on this legendary piste. Together the team talks about each unique aspect of this 2.7 mile Downhill - the longest track on the circuit which sometimes runs over 2 min 30 seconds!

In addition to describing in detail every incredible section of the course, they covered Hundschopf Willy, missing the train, getting lost on the track, going over 90 mph and how the winners are transported to the awards ceremony! Tune in and learn about the history of this unique race and then watch this weekend as the fastest skiers in the world get TWO chances at becoming the next Lauberhorn winner.

Watch the Video version exclusively here or find the audio version of the podcast on Apple or Spotify. The podcast runs 40 min.

Next week, the Podcast will cover the most dangerous Downhill on the circuit as the men’s circuit visits Kitzbuhel Austria for the running of the Hannenkahm Downhill. Daron Rahlves is the only American Downhiller winner of the Streif in the modern era and he will try and describe what that win meant next week.

American Downhiller Podcast - Episode #7

Start Routines, Training Runs & Youth Speed!

In this Episode of the American Downhiller Podcast, LEW, Marco, Daron and AJ give out great advice to junior racers, parents and coaches about the elements of a Start Routine and how it can help prepare the Racer mentally and physically for success in training and racing. From early morning warm-up jogs to dialing in your equipment to breathing techniques to handle stress, they share what they learned worked for them on World Cup. They also share some funny stories about the craziness of the starting gate area during their careers. Additionally, they talk about how each has nightmares still about missing their start!

Then they transition into their thoughts on Training Runs and how each of them approached training runs. Marco was all about learning the terrain and gaining confidence. AJ could dial it in quickly and really only needed one run. And Daron was full gas every run! And then they tell a few stories about the craziest Training Runs they had on World Cup. All great advice juniors can take into their daily training.

Finally, they share their thoughts about how Clubs and Regions can teach Speed to U10/U12/U14s so when they progress to Super-G and DH later, they already LOVE speed and have the skills necessary to excel right away.

The podcast is 45 Minutes long and can be seen exclusively here at SkiRacing.com or you can listen to the Podcast with Spotify or Apple. Just search American Downhiller.

Next week, they will cover the Lauberhorn Downhill in Wengen, the site of Bill Johnson’s first EVER Downhill Win for the Americans back in 1984! It is also where LEW, AJ, Marco and Daron had historic races and will share those stories!

SHOW NOTES:

For Episode #7 of the American Downhiller Podcast, Lew, AJ, Daron and Marco tackle a couple important topics

Start Routines:

-The boys share their stories about close calls in the starting gate of races and how that stress never leaves you.

-Lew talks about studying the times of lifts so he could plan out his start area arrival.

-Daron talks about the importance of having your equipment prepped at the start and shares his routine of getting his equipment perfect.

-Sully shares that his physical prep on race day started before breakfast and ended right before his exploded out of the gate.

-Then the boys share the craziest stories from starting gate on World Cup.

Training Runs:

-Daron always pushed on Training Runs as that was when he learns the most, but also, he was skiing DH and who would not want to go all out!

-Marco looked at Training Runs as more of a learning experience and had the confidence that he could dial it up on Race Day and not worry about training run results.

-AJ talks about how he would ski a bit rounder on training days, but always knew he could “pull the string” on his line on race day.

-Lew tells the story from the 80s when the officials turned a training run into a skier cross at St. Anton.

How to Train Speed for Young Racers:

AJ, Daron and Marco talk about how easy and safe it can be to train speed as a young racer whether at your Club or at the American Downhiller Camp. Speed training does not have to be dangerous, scary or time consuming. It can be safe and easy just on a closed, fenced-in trail.

The podcast ends with a question from a listener about which World Cup Downhill race to go to as a fan in Europe!

American Downhiller Podcast Episode #6:

RCS’ Return to Bormio

Our guest for Episode #6 of the American Downhiller Podcast is RCS - Ryan Cochran-Siegle. A year ago Ryan shocked the world (but not the American Downhiller fans) by winning the Bormio Super-G and almost stealing the Downhill as well. However, at the peak of his speed last year, he crashed at Kitzbuhel and broke his neck. He is BACK and skiing fast and just waiting for it all to come together again this season.

In this Episode. RCS breaks down the state of his skiing right now and his plan to return to the podium. He talks about coming back from injury and how the mental skills of confidence and trust are key to that return. RCS also talks about how Bryce Bennett’s win affected the Team.

Then the crew breaks down the Bormio course from top to bottom and share some of their own stories of the classic course. The words they use are Brutal, Relentless, Punishment, Challenging and Awesome!

Then RCS describes the behind the scenes of how his change to Head took place and what was involved including now working with the legendary Heinz Hammerle - his HEAD rep.

Finally, RCS talks about growing up with a Gold Medal Mom, Barbara Ann Cochran, and what he learned from her - it’s not what you think.

Thanks for watching exclusively on SkiRacing.com and listening on Apple and Spotify Podcasts.

Episode #6 Show Notes:  RCS - Ryan Cochran-Siegle: 46 minutes

-      RCS breaks down the state of his skiing right now

-      RCS talks about his broken neck, rehab and his plan to return to the podium

-      The Mental Game - confidence and trust are the keys to his return

-      Taking advantage of the break physically and mentally

-      Bormio is the focus, then RCS will get a block of GS training

-      How Bryce’s win affected the Speed Team

-      LEW, Daron, AJ & Marco describe Bormio course

-      Bormio = Brutal, relentless, punishment, crushing, AWESOME

-      RCS’ training run strategy

-      RCS’ change to Team HEAD - the backstory

-      Heinz Hammerle - maybe the GOAT rep is now working for RCS

-      Behind the scenes on testing the HEAD product

-      Growing up with a Gold Medal Mom at Cochran’s Ski Area

-      Having Heroes show up to races - help or hurt?

-      What RCS sees as his biggest strengths as an athlete

Newest American Downhiller Champion - Bryce Bennet

Bryce Bennett, the US Ski Team’s latest speed skier to win a

World Cup is the guest on Episode #5 of the American Downhiller Podcast. The 6’

7” California skier joined LEW, AJ, Daron and Marco for a fun and interesting

conversation that includes a turn by turn description of his winning run, how

he mentally willed himself to ski his best while in the Starting Gate, and how

he looks to take this confidence into Bormio, Kitz, Wengen and Beijing!

Bryce also talks about the American Downhiller tradition of

spending the Holidays in Europe, Secret Santas and his plans for Bormio.

This Episode is especially relevant to Coaches as Bryce

shares his thoughts on Coaching “unique” athletes, how Speed Coach Randy Pelky

keeps it low-key and what fitness training looks like for the big man.

Enjoy the Video version exclusively here on SkiRacing.com.

You can also find the Audio Version on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you can

listen on your way to and from skiing this Holiday!

Next up for the American Downhiller Podcast is a

conversation with reigning Bormio Super-G Champion RCS as he talks switching

equipment, Bormio’s challenging track, and having a “Gold Medal Mom”!

Episode #5 Show Highlights:

-         Bryce’s training and Holiday Schedule.

-         How Bryce was able to have a winning attitude in the gate after mediocre results all year and stand in the gate with a positive plan.

-         Bryce “somehow knew” when he crossed the finish line that he had won, even before  RCS, Feuz & Kilde had run

-         How Bryce completely nailed the Ciaslot section which allowed him to go from 6th to 1st!

-         How the Tahoe and Palisades community has been buzzing since Bryce’s win.

-         AJ, Daron and Marco share their thoughts to Bryce about how to now stay on top now that he is there.

-         How the American Downhiller crew celebrates Bryce’s win.

-         What being part of a Team means to Bryce.

-         How the coaches celebrate and also stay in shape.

-         Advice for Coaches who have unique athletes who may not fit the mold.

-         How LEW, AJ, Daron and Marco used their strengths and work on their weaknesses.

-         Bryce Fitness regimen and how it has paid off.

-         How Daron, AJ & Marco spent the Holidays in Europe - including stealing trees and Rodeling & Secret Santas

-         Which Downhill is Bryce most looking forward to

in the next month before Beijing.

This week the American Downhillers break down the Val Gardena DH with special guest Steven Nyman - a 3-time winner on the Saslong Course. Steven shares his thoughts on the course, how he has mastered it, and what it means to the American Downhillers.

Steven joins Doug Lewis, Marco Sullivan, AJ Kitt and Daron Rahlves who pepper him with questions and also share their thoughts on the course. LEW was the first ever American to “Double” the Camels and Marco, AJ and D-Money all had top fives on this US Ski Team friendly course.

Steven also shares some video of the course this year and talks about the incredible airtime that this course serves up!

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

-  Steven gives us a Course Report including Video from Inspection

-   We are introduced to Babs who runs the Hotel where the USST stays

-   His mental approach to this race

-   How being tall and working terrain is an advantage

-   The puzzle of the Ciaslot section

-   Changing plans on race day

-   Inspecting A, B & C lines

-   Aerodynamics for a tall Downhiller

-   Importance of Free-Skiing as a young racer

-   What Steven likes in a Course Report

-   Italian Racer Ghedina who has won 4 times

-   A tour of the Hotel and it’s trophies, posters, etc.

Watch the Val Gardena Races (Super-G & Downhill) on PeacockTV on Sat and Sun.

In Episode 3, American Downhillers Doug Lewis, Daron Rahlves, AJ Kitt and Marco Sullivan take a deep dive into two important Elements of Speed - Inspection and Course Reports. 

Daron talks about hearing from Bode Miller at the start as well as how he breaks down a course during inspection. AJ shares his system of learning a course and how technology changes affected that. Marco adds his personal tricks to inspecting and then visualizing each course. And LEW shares his secret of spying on the Euros during inspection!

The Downhillers also give their opinions on what has happened so far in Speed on the Men’s circuit and why it seems that the Veterans always have the advantage on the first two weekends of speed each season.

Lastly, they answer this week’s Listener Question which is about FEAR and how each was able to make fear into a positive.

Thanks for listening and watching to the American Downhiller Podcast and please spread the word and share the links so mare Speed fans can listen and learn.

Next week’s podcast is all about Val Gardena’s crazy Downhill filled with airtime, lots of terrain and the fact that there are always surprises on the results sheet. AND, did we mention is the favorite course of our two biggest American Downhillers - Bryce Bennet and Steven Nyman.

Have a question for us? Send it to us at [email protected]

This week, the American Downhillers break down the legendary Birds of Prey Course at Beaver Creek. Lew, AJ, Sully and D-Money share their thoughts and insights on the course, how to crush it, and who will tame it this weekend.

After a quick and interesting update on Lake Louise (including some COVID news), the fearsome foursome describe exactly what it is like to run America’s most intense downhill. And Daron Rahlves, the fastest man ever to race the course in 1:39:59 back in 2003, tells us how he was so fast on the course. You’ll learn how Sully, one of the fastest gliders ever, handles the long flat section on top. Then Daron takes listeners through the Brink, Talon and Pete’s Arena. After this, AJ talks about the intense and immense airtime the racers have to negotiate.

Doug also leads the group in a discussion about how to keep positive during your run when you inevitably make a mistake. They also dive into conversation about the terrain, where the race will be won or lost, and if and how you should adjust off of the Golden Eagle Jump.

Lastly, the American Downhillers make their picks on who will ski away with the Birds of Prey trophy this weekend. All of them have at least one American Downhiller on the podium.

If you want to ask the American Downhillers a question for them to answer on the next podcast, please email your question to [email protected]