If a downhill course like the one in Lenzerheide is familiar from previous World Cup races, it is still run before training. The reason: even if the route remains the same, there are always changes. Some key passages on the World Championship course are slightly different compared to last year's World Cup races, plus a new forest section has been added.

The fact that the course is run is also due to the fact that there is more time to find the right line. But do they stick to it? "Yes, usually yes. Sometimes you have to swerve slightly. For example, if a line proves to be faster in training than the one studied. But in general, the athletes can assess exactly which line is the fastest for them and can stick to it," explains Swiss national downhill coach Lars Peyer.

It's obvious: not much time is lost in open terrain. The fastest line is briefly discussed and then the race continues. It's a completely different story in the key sections, where the riders bunch up on the track walk and the possible lines are studied much more closely. For example, in the forest section to the Mitas Wall, which elite rider Felix Klee explains:
"At last year's World Cup, the right-hand line in the direction of travel was closed. Now that it's open, I'm pretty sure that it's faster than the quieter option on the outside."

Listening to the discussion, it becomes clear: even if downhill looks like a wild ride from the outside, it's all about precision. Basil Weber also confirms this: "During the track walk, we take a close look at where we can jump off in the terrain, for example, and where exactly the landing point is. In actual training, you still have the opportunity to try passages a few times, but there's no trying on certain passages and jumps - it has to be spot on straight away."

With this in mind, it will be exciting to see which lines the riders have decided on at the Downhill World Championships. There are still likely to be a few surprises. Whether these lead to success or to the end - see for yourself at 09:30 when the juniors open the final day of racing.