Giovanni Franzoni Claims Kitzbuehel Downhill Victory, Odermatt Finishes Second

Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni captured a remarkable victory in the Kitzbuehel downhill event on January 24, 2024, marking his first career win in this challenging discipline. Competing on the treacherous Streif piste, Franzoni posted a time of one minute 52.31 seconds, narrowly edging out Swiss skier Marco Odermatt, who finished just 0.07 seconds behind him. This victory adds to Franzoni’s growing reputation as a strong contender for the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics.

Franzoni, who was the second skier to launch from the start hut, showcased his skills against a field of elite competitors. His performance was particularly impressive, especially considering the history of the Kitzbuehel downhill, which has seen Swiss athletes dominate in recent years. Odermatt, who began the weekend with a narrow super-G win, was the 12th skier down the course. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to secure the win and expressed disappointment as he leaned on his ski poles, reflecting on his missed opportunity.

In a surprising twist, France’s Maxence Muzaton finished in third place after starting with bib number 29. His late run proved to be a game-changer, as he managed to set a competitive time that kept him atop the leaderboard longer than anticipated. Following Muzaton, Italy’s Florian Schieder placed fourth, while France’s Nils Allegre rounded out the top five.

Franzoni’s Emotional Win and Future Prospects

Franzoni’s win was particularly emotional, as he celebrated with teammates amidst tears of joy. This victory comes shortly after his triumph in the Wengen super-G earlier in January, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport. As the 24-year-old skier prepares for the Olympics, he is now seen as a serious contender for gold.

The Kitzbuehel downhill has historically been a challenging race, and this year was no exception. Swiss skiers had won all four downhills leading up to this event, with Odermatt securing three victories and teammate Franjo Von Allmen winning in Val Gardena last month. Despite his strong performances, Von Allmen finished equal 16th after a significant mistake late in his run.

Following this event, Odermatt remains at the top of the downhill standings, holding a commanding lead of 165 points over Von Allmen after three wins and two second-place finishes. Furthermore, he has increased his overall World Cup points total to 667, maintaining a lead over Norwegian-born Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen.

As the Alpine World Cup season progresses, all eyes will be on Franzoni and Odermatt, particularly with the Olympics on the horizon. With Franzoni’s recent success and Odermatt’s consistent performances, the competition promises to be intense in the weeks to come.