Calgary, AB. (January 25, 2025) — It was a day to remember for Canada at today’s FIS Ski World Cup men’s downhill in Kitzbühel (AUT) with James Crawford (Toronto, ON) topping the podium and Cameron Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) taking third in the most storied of all alpine ski races.

The last Canadian to win the Kitzbühel downhill (DH) was Todd Brooker, 42 years ago in 1983, with Ken Read finishing third that day to give Canada a double podium that day as well. That season there were two DH races that weekend in Kitzbühel and Steve Podborski finished second the day before.

Racing on the legendary Streif course in front of estimated crowd of over 45,000, Crawford was the twentieth man out of the gate and rocketed down the course to take the win by .08 of a second and in the process bumped his teammate Alexander into third place. 

Crawford, the 2023 World Champion in super-G and 2022 Olympic bronze medalist, takes his fifth podium and his first World Cup win in his 112th World Cup start.

“I’ve been looking for my first World Cup win for a while and for it to come in Kitzbühel is surreal. I don’t have words to describe the feelings,” said Crawford. “I’ve had good speed for a while now and I was able to go out today and ski free, with no expectations, and just send it from top to bottom. I’m still a little in shock but I think I’ll feel the win when I’m hoisting the Kits trophy tonight with my teammates and my parents.”

“To celebrate this with Cam in third is incredible. And it’s special to be associated with Todd Brooker and Ken Read. They are legends who have played a role in supporting me in my career.”

With today’s results, in the fifth of nine downhills this season, Alexander sits sixth, and Crawford seventh in the season’s DH Crystal Globe standings.

Brodie Seger (North Vancouver, BC) was in the points again today, for the seventh time in eight races this season, finishing 23rd and Jeffrey Read (Canmore, AB) was 38th.  

Next CANskiteam World Cup races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Men continue in Kitzbühel (AUT) with SL on Sunday

Women race SL in Courchevel (FRA) January 30

Ski cross move to Veysonnaz (SUI) for races February 1 and 2

Para alpine World Championships run February 6 to 11 in Maribor (SLO)

Alpine World Championships run February 4 to 16 in Saalbach (AUT)

Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and subscribe to our newsletter.

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For more information or media inquiries please contact: 

Mark Halliday
Alpine Canada
403 777 3204
media@alpinecanada.org

About Alpine Canada 

Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community.