Swiss skier Alexis Monney achieved a monumental first for himself on December 28, 2024, by clinching his first victory at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup held at the renowned Bormio downhill track. Monney's triumph marks a significant milestone, solidifying his status among the elite competitors in alpine skiing.
Monney, 24, finished the race with a time of 1:53.43, edging out fellow Swiss compatriot Franjo von Allmen by just 0.24 seconds. The podium was rounded out by Canada’s Cameron Alexander, who finished third. This victory shattered Monney's previous best result of eighth place, achieved at Kitzbühel earlier this year.
With the Bormio run set to feature prominently during the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Monney's stellar performance on the demanding Stelvio slope has raised expectations for the Swiss alpine ski team. Monney flew down the track wearing bib number 19, gradually gaining speed as he maneuvered through the latter half of the event's challenging course, demonstrating remarkable agility and skill.
“It's a strange feeling, but it's cool,” Monney remarked shortly after his historic win, expressing his disbelief at the accomplishment. He continued, “Unbelievable! It was almost too easy today, normally it's much more difficult here. I thought after training... but not this good straight away.” His teammate, Franjo von Allmen, expressed genuine happiness for Monney, showcasing the strong camaraderie and mutual support among the Swiss ski team.
A day filled with excitement was, nonetheless, marred by concerns as the race took place under the shadow of serious injuries suffered during Friday’s training. French skier Cyprien Sarrazin, who had won the same event the previous year, underwent surgery for a subdural hematoma following his harrowing crash on the same treacherous slope. Sarrazin lost control after hitting a bump and collided violently with the protective netting, requiring emergency airlift to the hospital.
Another incident involved Italian skier Pietro Zazzi, who sustained fractures to his tibia and fibula. These accidents led to stern criticism of the course conditions, prompting debate over the safety of the venue hosting such high-stakes competitions. The training mishaps brought athlete safety and venue integrity to the forefront of discussion, especially so close to the Winter Olympics.
Marco Odermatt, reigning downhill and overall World Cup champion, faced what many would call a narrow escape during his run. Just as he seemed on track to challenge for the podium, he experienced what he described as “a big scare” halfway through the slope. Although he managed to stay upright during the tense moment when his skis momentarily sank, his airbag deployed as he fought to regain control. This incident reminded spectators and fellow athletes alike of the inherent risks of alpine skiing, even for the most experienced competitors.
Despite the drama, Odermatt secured fifth place, just 0.80 seconds behind Monney, and extended his lead at the top of the overall standings. He commented on his eventful run, stating, “I’m mostly relieved because I had a big scare halfway through. I’m happy to have reached the finish, not to be injured and to have scored big points.”
The race was punctuated by remarkable performances, highlighting the exceptional talent within the Swiss team. This victory marks the third consecutive Swiss double victory within the season, as Monney and von Allmen took their places on the podium together. Monney described the entire experience as “wonderful,” noting how supportive his teammate was throughout the day.
The results of the Bormio downhill event will not only impact the athletes' standings but also set the tone for future competitions leading up to the Olympics. With the intense scrutiny of the ski conditions, race organizers may face pressure to improve safety measures to provide competitors with the most fair and secure environment possible.
After this thrilling Bormio event, the next challenges await as the ski season continues, with the next races scheduled to follow closely behind. Monney's win is now etched not only as his first World Cup victory but as the beginning of what many hope will be a promising ski career. With adaptive performance and significant support from his teammates, Monney promises to be one of the names to watch as the Olympics approach.