The second attempt to open the Men's World Cup Speed Racing season on an all new course that crosses the Swiss-Italian border between Zermatt and Cervinia has been cancelled again.
Last year, the first attempt, the cancellation was due to too little snow on the lower part of the course. This year snow storage facilities had been put in place to ensure there was no repeat of that but the races have been cancelled due too to much snowfall, along with strong winds.
The new Grand Beca course is the world's highest and partially located on the glacier slopes above Zermatt, and one of only two outdoor ski areas worldwide that are open year round.
With two races planned for the men on the first weekend and two for the women on the second weekend each year, Sunday's cancellation marks the sixth in succession. A reserve race day originally in the calendar for Monday appears to have been discounted for logistical reasons although the forecast doesn't look great tomorrow either.
Large crowds of race fans were in resorts for the races but instead watched the Women's Slalom World Cup from Levi in Lapland, where there have been perfect conditions, on big TV screens along with enjoying music concerts, bib draws, and other festivities.
There is a chance though that the two downhill women's races set to start the women's speed skiing season next weekend may still go ahead.
Last year the Men's speed skiing season ended up beginning with its traditional opening races in Lake Louise, Canada, however that meeting had already been cancelled for 2023 due to financial issues. It therefore currently appears the season will now start in early December at Beaver Creek, Colorado.
