Marco Odermatt finally conquered the Saslong and secured his long-awaited victory during the World Cup downhill race at Val Gardena on Saturday, December 16, 2023. This win marked his first at this iconic Italian venue, after several previous attempts where he had come close but never clinched the title.
The 27-year-old Swiss skier dominated the race, finishing with a remarkable time of 2:03.10, and sealed his 40th career victory, putting him level with the legendary Swiss athlete Pirmin Zurbriggen. Odermatt's triumphant run represented not only personal achievement but also the return of the defending overall World Cup champion to the top form he had displayed so frequently last season.
“It was one of my best downhills,” Odermatt expressed delightedly after crossing the finish line, his relief evident as he had previously faced disappointing runs at this stage. He edged out his compatriot Franjo von Allmen, who placed second with a time of 2:03.55. American skier Ryan Cochran-Siegle followed closely behind, finishing third at 2:03.56.
Victorious springs rarely come easy, and Odermatt encountered challenges throughout the race. At the fourth of five splits, he was trailing by over half a second. Yet, with unwavering focus and determination, Odermatt turned the race around during the lower sections of the treacherous Saslong piste. His ability to carry speed and maintain control was evident as he showcased both skill and prowess, proving once again why he is regarded as one of the best skiers on the circuit.
Reflecting on his path to victory, Odermatt acknowledged the need for perfection to win downhill races. “If you want to win the downhill, you need the perfect run,” he noted, indicating his preparation and mindset leading up to this high-stakes competition. “Today, already on the top, which is not really my section, I could ski really well. Finally, I also jumped well, and then it was really perfect. I’m really happy,” he said, expressing the joy of executing his plan flawlessly on race day.
This win was particularly significant for Odermatt as it ended his struggle to claim victory at Val Gardena after three podium placements yet no first-place finish. His triumph solidifies his position at the top of the overall World Cup standings with 440 points, placing him 50 points clear of Norwegian competitor Henrik Kristoffersen. The high-level competition continued throughout the ranks, with surprises as is customary for the event; Slovenian Martin Cater finished fifth, and Austrian Stefan Eichberger took sixth place.
Odermatt's victory also laid the groundwork for the future of alpine skiing, as he acknowledged the strength of the young Swiss team around him, saying, “We have an amazing team, a very young team but already so fast.” With his eyes set on the next competition, Odermatt looks to continue this momentum as the World Cup circuit moves to nearby Alta Badia, featuring upcoming giant slalom and slalom events.
Indeed, his aspirations are high, as he is now on the brink of breaking his own records and paving the way for future generations. His competitive spirit and dedication have not only brought him personal accolades, but they also stand as inspiring examples for many budding skiers.
For fans of skiing, Odermatt’s victory at Val Gardena is just one memorable chapter in what promises to be another thrilling season. With this win, he is no longer just another competitor; rather, he is etching his name among the legends of the sport. The crowds anticipate how he will perform as the season progresses and if he can create history by surpassing Zurbriggen’s record.
The excitement of alpine skiing continues as competitors gear up for the next races, yet all eyes will undoubtedly remain on the continuously impressive Marco Odermatt. His thrilling victory was not merely another statistic but rather the story of resilience, excellence, and relentless pursuit of success. What will he achieve next? Only time will tell as the season unfurls ahead.
