Franzoni Triumphs at Hahnenkamm; Odermatt Achieves 100th World Cup Podium
Giovanni Franzoni made history on Saturday at the Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbühel, securing his first World Cup victory on one of the most challenging courses in alpine skiing. The 23-year-old Italian, competing with bib 2, completed the race with a time of 1:52.31, showcasing remarkable skill and courage on the notorious Streif.
Franzoni’s Historic Win
Franzoni described his triumph as “unbelievable” and noted the immense pressure of competing on such a demanding course. “It’s just crazy to be first after only my second time here in Kitzbühel,” he said, reflecting on his breakthrough. His victory is a significant milestone as he also secured a super-G podium in Wengen earlier this month.
Top Five Results – Men’s World Cup Downhill
| Position | Country | Athlete | Bib | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st |  |
Giovanni Franzoni | 2 | 1:52.31 |
| 2nd |  |
Marco Odermatt | 12 | +0.07 |
| 3rd |  |
Maxence Muzaton | 29 | +0.39 |
| 4th | |
Florian Schieder | 6 | +0.67 |
| 5th | |
Nils Allègre | 14 | +0.68 |
Odermatt’s Milestone
Marco Odermatt, finishing just 0.07 seconds behind Franzoni, celebrated a historic achievement. With his second-place finish, he reached a remarkable milestone—his 100th World Cup podium, making him only the fifth man in skiing history to achieve this. Despite the success, Odermatt expressed mixed feelings about not taking first place.
Muzaton’s Breakthrough Performance
Maxence Muzaton delivered a stellar run, finishing third and claiming his inaugural downhill World Cup podium. Starting from bib 29, the 35-year-old raced with confidence, marking a significant comeback in his career. “Today I did my best to push,” Muzaton stated, clearly thrilled with his performance.
Italy’s Strong Showing
Italy demonstrated their strength in alpine skiing with two athletes finishing in the top four. Along with Franzoni and Schieder, Dominik Paris secured a spot in the top ten, signaling a robust team ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Other Notable Performances
- Erik Arvidsson (USA) and Wiley Maple (USA) both finished tied for 19th, achieving significant results after individual challenges.
- Canada also made its mark with four skiers placing in the top 30, led by Cameron Alexander in 14th.
As the athletes navigate the unforgiving Streif, the race has set a memorable tone for the remainder of the season, showcasing emerging talents like Franzoni and seasoned competitors like Odermatt.
