Giovanni Franzoni Claims First World Cup Win in Wengen, Honoring Late Friend

Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni secured his first World Cup victory on January 16, 2024, dedicating the win to his late teammate Matteo Franzoso. Franzoni led the super-G event held at Wengen’s renowned Lauberhorn piste, finishing with a remarkable time of one minute 45.19 seconds. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Italian men’s team, occurring just weeks before the anticipated Milano Cortina Olympics.

Franzoni, who wore bib number one, set the pace from the outset on a clear and crisp morning. His time proved unassailable, with Stefan Babinsky of Austria finishing second, 0.35 seconds behind, and Swiss competitor Franjo von Allmen taking third, just 0.37 seconds off the lead.

In a poignant reflection, Franzoni spoke about Franzoso, a 25-year-old downhill skier who tragically died following a training accident in Chile last September. “It’s always on my mind and I try to remember always,” he said. “I dedicated my first podium to him and also this victory. I said at the beginning of the season that I would be skiing with him all my life, so it will be like this.” He added that the tragedy has provided him with the strength to compete in the World Cup season.

Significant Performance Ahead of the Olympics

Franzoni’s victory is particularly timely, as it comes just before the Olympics, where he aims to shine on home snow. This win is not only his first of the current Alpine ski season but also marks his second career podium, following a third-place finish in a super-G in Val Gardena in December.

The competition on the Lauberhorn was fierce, with Marco Odermatt, the overall World Cup and super-G leader, finishing fourth after starting in 12th position. Odermatt, a favorite for Olympic medals, expressed admiration for Franzoni’s performance. “I saw his run at the start and I already said, ‘Wow, that is the victory today,’” he remarked.

Franzoni acknowledged the pressures of being the first to race on the legendary slope. “With bib number one, I had a lot of pressure but I tried just to enjoy the race,” he stated, highlighting the unique challenge of opening the course with a large crowd in attendance.

Further Challenges for the Italian Team

Despite Franzoni’s success, not all members of the Italian team fared well. Teammates Dominik Paris, Guglielmo Bosca, and Marco Abbruzzese were unable to finish the race, which marked the fifth super-G event of the season. In contrast, the Italian women’s team has recorded one victory this season, with Sofia Goggia taking the win in super-G.

Franzoni’s recent performances have shown promise, especially given the mixed emotions associated with the Wengen piste, where he suffered a severe injury during a crash in 2023. The victory has reignited his confidence as he prepares for the upcoming Olympics.

“I think also this tragedy gives me the strength to approach this World Cup season,” Franzoni concluded, embodying both resilience and dedication as he honors his friend while striving for success on the global stage.