Odermatt streak continues with Val Gardena Downhill triumph

It may only be the start of the season, but Marco Odermatt (SUI/Stöckli) is already tightening his grip on the Overall and Downhill Audi FIS World Cup Crystal Globes he won last season.

Odermatt put down a trademark run on the Saslong course: daring, full of lightening recoveries from imperfect moments, and ultimately faster than anyone else, to make it two Downhill wins from two Downhill starts this season.

Franjo von Allmen (SUI/Head) was rock steady as he skied into second place, making it another notable day for the Swiss ski team – and a repeat of last season’s one-two finish here. Local hero Dominik Paris (ITA/ Nordica) secured third.

Odi on top again
It was a tricky day for the racers: a Saslong course that had been shortened to the Super G start gate due to tricky, warm weather conditions, delayed start due to fog, some mid-race delays and heavily salted snow. 

Among these constantly changing conditions, Odermatt was unfazed as ever.

The two-time Downhill Globe winner, who won at Val Gardena last season, lost a little time mid-course after a scruffy landing from a jump, but recovered brilliantly, keeping in the tuck and battling to hold his speed all the way to the bottom.

“Everything was different to the training, the training was pretty cold and aggressive, now it’s wet and different conditions,” he said. “But my plan stayed the same, from all the lines. I could adapt very good and I’m super happy with the victory today.”

Did he expect the win? “Actually not, because I saw Franjo skiing and he had an amazing run. I didn’t know where or how I could ski faster than him, but somehow I managed to gain some hundreds. I’m happy to share this one with him.

It was the perfect warm up for the 'classic' Downhill in two days' time. “[On Saturday] the lower part obviously stays the same. We will have to see how the conditions are changing, from the top everything will be a little bit different, there are 30, 40 seconds more in your legs, but in the end your plan stays the same. You need a fast ski on the top and then have good technique.”

It was Odermatt’s 50^th career win, tying with the legendary Alberto Tomba (ITA). “I hear so. It's amazing to be on the same number as Alberto now, and doing it here in Italy makes it even more special.” 

Odermatt is unbeaten after two Downhills this season, has won a Super G, and has two wins from four Giant Slaloms.

Von Allmen and Paris shine
Von Allmen (SUI/Head) also impressed. He was smoother than Odermatt, hitting his landings perfectly, taking lots of risks without losing control, and staying relaxed. But his speed wasn’t quite up there, and he finished +0.15 adrift of his teammate. 

“It was difficult today with the delays, but I felt pretty comfortable at the start,” he said. “The start was not so good, but the rest was pretty OK, so I’m comfortable with my skiing today.”

As ever, he was enjoying Switzerland’s overall team success. “It’s really cool when we have Marco and all the other guys in the team, when they do a great performance,” he said. “It’s pretty much like last year. Marco is in front of me, at the start of a great season, so I’ll take it. A day like this, I’m pretty happy." 

Paris put down a powerhouse performance at top of slope, but was pushed out of position mid-course and lost a little time. He showed grit to recover and get into third place, +0.19 seconds adrift of Odermatt.

“My sensation was not so nice, but it was a good run, it was really fast, and I tried to push and stay on the line, keep good speed,” said Paris. “I had a little mistake, but I am happy.”

He is relishing Saturday’s longer Downhill – the equivalent of which he won in December 2023. “I am happy, if I am fast on the lower part, that is a good sign because I can do something more on the upper part.

“Hopefully I am in good shape and my body feels relaxed enough for Saturday.”

Elsewhere, Nils Allegre (FRA/ Salomon) put down a great run to finish fourth, as he continues his comeback.

“I made a mistake at the top and you can’t afford to make mistakes, but I’m very happy with fourth and we are lucky to have two chances at this race,” he said.

The Val Gardena triple header continues with a Super G on Friday, and the classic, full-length Downhill on Saturday.