Odermatt Equals Tomba with Val Gardena Downhill Victory

Marco Odermatt once again confirmed his dominance on the circuit, securing his 50th career World Cup victory after triumphing in the Val Gardena downhill. With this win, the Swiss skier matches the historic record of Italian Alberto Tomba, reaching the symbolic half-century of victories on the circuit.

At just 28 years old, Odermatt prevailed on a particularly complex day, marked by fog, organizational chaos, and multiple interruptions. The race started an hour and a quarter late—from 11:45 to 13:00—due to poor visibility, and was contested on a shortened course that began from the usual Super-G starting point.

Wearing bib number 14, Odermatt was the best at navigating the demanding Ciaslat section, one of the most emblematic stretches of the Saslong, characterized by its severe undulations and a profile reminiscent of ski cross. Despite a challenging landing after a jump in the middle section, the Swiss reacted with composure and maintained very high speed until the finish line.

Swiss dominance was absolute, even achieving a one-two finish. Just 15 hundredths behind the winner, his young compatriot Franjo von Allmen secured his ninth World Cup podium, six of which were in downhill. His time was so competitive that it momentarily cast doubt on Odermatt’s victory.

The podium was completed by local hero Dominik Paris. At 36, the veteran Italian once again demonstrated his enduring form and ambition towards the Milano-Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympic Games. Winner at the Saslong in 2023, Paris led the first three split times with a very aggressive run but lost time in the Ciaslat and had to settle for third position, thus adding his 51st World Cup podium to the delight of the local crowd.