What is it?
The biggest snowsport event on the planet. The downhill circuit is huge, with the World Cup - skiing's version of Formula 1 - visiting over 29 venues in 12 countries. Skiers bullet down a steep slope as fast as possible with their descent timed from the top to bottom.
Rules
Skiers get one run and must stay within the racing gates, which are clearly
marked on the course. Fastest skier wins. Simple as that.
History
The first primitive downhills were held in Oslo, Norway in the 1850s after
the sport developed from cross-country skiing. Soon racing spread to Europe
and America with Britain's Sir Arnold Lunn organising the first downhill
competition in the late 1920s. In 1931 the sport held its first major event - the World Championships in Murren, Austria.
Random fact
Downhill racers train in wind tunnels to improve their tuck, the crouching
position they adopt to go as fast as possible.
The lowdown
- Skiers reach speeds of 130kmh on the world's fastest courses.
- From a standstill at the start gate, competitors accelerate faster than a Ferrari.
- Top skiers on the circuit earn almost as much as the world's top footballers - £2 million per season.
The one to beat
Stephan Eberharter, 33, from Austria. He's fast, consistent and ultra cool under pressure - that's why he's the number one downhiller in the world. He was also ranked 1st in the overall World Cup downhill standings for 2001/02.
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