The thrill of the alpine slopes came alive at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, where Marco Odermatt showcased his extraordinary skiing skill, clinching victory during the Men's Super-G World Cup race on February 22, 2025. The triumph marked yet another historical milestone for the Swiss skier, who impressed with his performance after starting with bib number 15.
With cheers from Swiss fans echoing through the valley, Odermatt displayed his expertise particularly through the middle section of the course, carving out the perfect lines. He topped the time of his closest rival, Dominik Paris, who had held the lead earlier, finishing with the mind-blowing time of 1:21.53. The competition concluded with Swiss skier Alexis Monney taking second place, 0.28 seconds behind, demonstrating his own exceptional form after also finishing third during the downhill at Crans-Montana the previous day.
"At spring races, I don't usually like number 15, but today the conditions around me were fantastic, and it helped tremendously," remarked Odermatt after the race, reflecting on how he overcame the challenges of starting later.
Monney's strong performance multiplied the excitement for the local crowd. "It’s unbelievable! I focused solely on my race today, and it truly feels wonderful. I'm currently riding high on confidence after maintaining great form throughout the season," he expressed to the media.
The crystal podium was completed by Italy’s Dominik Paris, who secured third place, marking his best result this season and reassuring his position among the top competitors. Paris had previously been on the outside edges of podium finishes, and this was his first podium for the season—a refreshing return to form for the experienced racer.
Franjo von Allmen, who recently won the downhill counterpart, sought to duplicate his recent success, finishing seventh. He expressed his frustrations caused by technical errors but remained optimistic about his overall performance and aspirations for the season. "It’s tough when making mistakes leads to losing speed, but I’m determined to learn and improve," he said.
This race at Crans-Montana carried added excitement as it signified the return of the Super-G to the famous ski resort for the first time since 2012. The athletes were met with variable conditions, including soft snow and occasional flurries, which added complexity and demanded precision from the competitors. Many athletes faced challenges, particularly with the demanding terrain transitions and blinding gates, leading to several disqualifications.
Swiss skiing expert Marc Berthod characterized the Super-G course as more complex than the previous day’s downhill, noting the challenges posed by the terrain. "It’s not just about speed; the technique and the approach matter significantly here," Berthod emphasized.
The competition was not just about personal records and medals but also showcased national pride, as Switzerland dominated, celebrating both Odermatt and Monney's achievements. Odermatt has now set new records as the first skier to secure 15 wins each in both Super-G and Giant Slalom categories, cementing his legacy within alpine skiing history.
Looking to the future, the excitement doesn’t stop as the World Cup continues, with upcoming races scheduled for Kranjska Gora and Kvitfjell—each representing new opportunities for the racers to seek glory and improve their standings on the circuit.
With the momentum gained from the Super-G victory, fans are eager to see if Marco Odermatt can continue his winning streak and maintain Switzerland's presence at the top of the skiing world, proving yet again why the country is synonymous with winter sports excellence.