Nyman clocks fastest final training in Kvitfjell

KVITFJELL, Norway – The track in Kvitfjell has always been one on which American Steven Nyman believed he could ski fast. For one reason or another — lack of late-season fitness or equipment issues — Nyman has yet to show his best stuff at the Norwegian downhill. That could change this weekend as Nyman laid down a decisively fast second training run Friday.

“I’ve never really been in the greatest shape coming into Kvitfjell. I’ve always deteriorated as the winter has gone on,” said Nyman after clocking the fastest training time of 1 minute, 47.72 seconds. “Last year, I felt I could do well but my equipment was a little messed up. It’s funny, this isn’t the most physically demanding course but I get to the bottom and I’m so tired. This year I feel great and mentally I’m there, so we’ll see what happens.”

No other skier managed to finish below the 1:48 mark. The closest was France’s Guillermo Fayed who finished 0.41 seconds behind Nyman while everyone else skied over a half second slower than the American.

“Today was a good day, the track has been prepared very well. I always love it here in Norway as you get back into real winter and the snow is fantastic,” added Nyman. “I did some studying yesterday after the first training and I really realized what I need to do so I think it was all about execution. I nailed my line today and while there are a few things I could still fix, I hope I can execute like this tomorrow.”

After the first training run on Thursday afternoon, some minor changes were made to the course including a few gates being opened up so today’s run was almost three seconds faster than Thursday’s. One jump in particular turned out to be longer than expected.

“Today there was a lot more speed because they moved the gate at the Russi jump. I normally don’t mind big air but today I was a bit like ‘Wow, I’m still flying!?’” Nyman said jokingly.

Friday’s run concludes the training sessions in Kvitfjell, and this weekend marks the last speed races of the season before the Finals in Meribel. Saturday’s downhill starts at 12:00 p.m. CET while Sunday’s super G is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. CET.

Release courtesy of FIS

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