Beaver Creek, Colo. - For the second day in a row, unfavorable weather conditions have forced the cancellation of a men's World Cup downhill race at the Birds of Prey course. This marks the fourth downhill event to be scrapped due to inclement weather early in the current World Cup season.

The cancellation of Saturday's race was attributed to heavy snowfall and strong winds, reaching gusts of up to 35 mph (55 kph). Adding to the complication, Friday's downhill race had also been called off due to overnight snowfall. With more snowfall and strong winds predicted for Sunday, the scheduled super-G race in Beaver Creek is likely to face similar challenges.

These disruptions are creating a significant setback for the World Cup season and its athletes, hampering their ability to compete and earn valuable points towards their overall standings. The cancellations will also have financial implications for event organizers and the ski resorts involved.

The Birds of Prey course in Beaver Creek has historically been known for its challenging conditions, attracting top athletes from around the world. However, this season's early snowfall and heavy winds have proved to be a persistent obstacle, as the two downhill events in Switzerland on November 11-12 were also canceled due to adverse weather.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) and race organizers are closely monitoring the weather forecasts and working diligently to reschedule these canceled races to ensure a fair and competitive season. However, with the snow and wind persisting, it remains uncertain whether the super-G race on Sunday will be able to take place as scheduled.

While the unpredictable weather is an inherent risk in alpine skiing, the frequency of cancellations this early in the season is uncommon. It highlights the challenges faced by athletes, event organizers, and the FIS in developing contingency plans to handle adverse weather conditions in future races.

As the World Cup season progresses, athletes and fans alike will be eagerly hoping for more favorable weather conditions to allow for the thrilling races that have made the Birds of Prey course in Beaver Creek a beloved and legendary venue in the skiing world.