Italian skiers lead men's downhill training as Austrian crashes

Italian skiers posted the top times in the second men's downhill training at Milano‑Cortina, and Austria's Daniel Hemetsberger crashed during his run.

Italian skiers who are still contesting starting spots led the second men's downhill training at the Milano‑Cortina Winter Olympics on Thursday. Mattia Casse posted the fastest time but missed a gate, while teammates Florian Schieder and Giovanni Franzoni were second and third. Franzoni and Dominik Paris already hold starting spots; Casse, Schieder and Christof Innerhofer are competing for the remaining places. Several Canadian skiers finished later in the order, with Cam Alexander the top Canadian in 10th. Key facts: - Mattia Casse posted the fastest time but missed a gate; Florian Schieder and Giovanni Franzoni were second and third. - Giovanni Franzoni and Dominik Paris have confirmed starting spots, while Casse, Schieder and Christof Innerhofer are vying for the remaining places. - Austria's Daniel Hemetsberger crashed midway through his run and quickly got up holding his face and nose area. - A final downhill training session is scheduled for Friday, with the downhill race set for Saturday. Summary: The training session influenced final team selection considerations and offered one last practice before the race. The final training run is scheduled for Friday ahead of Saturday's downhill race.