Fredrik Møller made history this weekend by clinching his first World Cup victory at the demanding Super-G race held at the famed San Pietro slope in Bormio, Italy. The 24-year-old skier from Oppdal astonished fans and competitors alike with his impressive performance, marking a significant milestone not only for himself but also for Norwegian skiing.
Competing from start number four, Møller initially showcased strong skiing skills but faced challenges mid-way through the race. Despite losing some time during the middle segment, he pushed through with remarkable speed at the end, finishing with a time no one could match, including ski superstar Marco Odermatt.
"I had first not believed I would drive to green light. I made a mistake early and thought it would not hold. But when it did, it was incredibly nice," Møller reflected during his press conference following the race, expressing his disbelief at achieving victory after two fourth-place finishes earlier this season.
Vincent Kriechmayr, the closest competitor, trailed Møller by just 20 hundredths of a second, with previous champion Alexis Monney finishing over two-tenths behind. Møller’s win stands out as the first for Norway’s men's speed disciplines since March 2023, making the moment even more special for fans at home.
"It is incredible. I did not think about it when I woke up today," he added, reflecting on the significance of the moment. After the race, excitement bubbled over among the Norwegian skiing contingent, with Møller being hailed as one of the rising stars of the sport.
Adrian Smiseth Sejersted participated but finished 1.12 seconds behind Møller, indicating the high level of competition present at the event. Meanwhile, Møller’s strong showing has propelled him to the second position overall in the Super-G standings, trailing Marco Odermatt by just five points.
Tragedy struck during the event when Swiss skier Gino Caviezel experienced a harrowing crash at high speed, sliding down San Pietro after failing to navigate the course. Caviezel was airlifted to the hospital for treatment, illustrating the inherent dangers of the sport. "That was quite scary," said Møller reflecting on Caviezel’s accident, highlighting the risks faced by competitors.
Adding to the seriousness of the situation, French skier Cyprien Sarrazin had previously suffered severe injuries during training and was still recovering from surgery for a skull bleed at the time of the race. His teammate Nils Allègre did not shy away from voicing concerns, stating, "This slope is poorly prepared. There is no respect for the athletes, the speed must be reduced. I won’t even think about the 2026 Winter Olympics being held here," criticizing event organizers for the conditions of the slope.
Møller applauded the difficult yet rewarding nature of the course he competed on, noting the pride he felt racing against such stiff competition. He was quick to dismiss any feelings of added pressure as he led the pack, stating, "I felt I took no unnecessary risks. I just have to try to ski my best, and I am happy it worked out."
His historic victory not only raises hopes for future successes but also captures the attention of fans and media alike, eager to see how Møller’s career will continue to evolve from this defining moment. With the Olympic Games approaching next year, Møller's win at Bormio could be the start of something truly remarkable.