By USSA

VAL GARDENA, Italy — There are some downhill courses that suit certain athletes. And the fabled Saslong in Val Gardena is that downhill course with the U.S. Ski Team’s Steven Nyman (Sundance, Utah). On Dec. 19, Nyman etched his name once again into the annals of skiing history as he won his third career downhill in one of his sport’s most challenging races.

Coming off a podium finish at the Audi Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek, Nyman ripped to a 1.51 second lead from the lucky seven start position, and hung on to take a 0.31 second margin over World Cup downhill leader Kjetil Jansrud of Norway.

Dominik Paris of Italy was third.

Val Gardena’s Saslong downhill is the jewel of the Dolomites — a classic on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup. It’s the December ritual for the men, offering a long and challenging piste with dark December shadows, nasty early season snow and the fabled camel bumps coming into the finish. It has taken its toll on many a ski racer over the years and few have mastered it like Nyman, who became only the fourth athlete to win three times.

Travis Ganong (Squaw Valley) was the only other American in the points, finishing 13.