BEAVER CREEK, Colo. — Justin Murisier from Switzerland achieved his first-ever World Cup victory by triumphing over his renowned teammate Marco Odermatt in the season’s opening men’s downhill event on Friday.

Murisier finished 0.20 seconds ahead of Odermatt, who is the reigning champion for both the overall World Cup and downhill disciplines. Miha Hrobat from Slovenia secured a remarkable third place, finishing 0.35 seconds behind Murisier, marking his debut on the World Cup podium.

Top American racer Bryce Bennett, boasting two World Cup victories in his career, came in sixth place, trailing the winner by 0.88 seconds. His teammate Sam DuPratt experienced a severe crash while being the second-to-last competitor on the course, necessitating a sled evacuation down the Birds of Prey trail.

Murisier’s prior performance at the Beaver Creek downhill in 2022 resulted in a 50th place finish, while Odermatt made a significant mark at this venue five years ago, securing his first World Cup victory in the super-G discipline.

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde from Norway, who dominated the last four races at Beaver Creek, is sidelined for the season due to injuries.

This year’s event benefitted from clear, sunny skies, a welcome contrast to the previous year when inclement weather led to the cancellation of all three scheduled races.

The competition will proceed with the super-G on Saturday, followed by the giant slalom on Sunday.