Marco Odermatt secured yet another victory at the World Cup super-G race held on February 23, 2025, at Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The 27-year-old Swiss skier edged out his compatriot Alexis Monney by 0.28 seconds, thrilling the home crowd with his performance. This win not only highlights Odermatt's dominance but also extends his lead in both the overall and super-G standings of the World Cup.
The race took place on the Nationale slope, which will host the next World Championships in 2027. Fans were treated to yet another display of speed and skill from the Swiss team, who had previously finished second and third, respectively, the day before, behind teammate Franjo von Allmen during the downhill event. Unfortunately, von Allmen placed seventh this time around, leaving the podium open for Italy's Dominik Paris, who took third place, finishing 0.39 seconds behind Odermatt's stellar run.
Odermatt crossed the finish line with a time of 1:21.53, marking his 45th career World Cup win. This victory positions him sixth on the all-time men’s list for World Cup wins, trailing behind legendary skier Ingmar Stenmark's 86 victories. With this win, Odermatt also secured his 15th victory in super-G, which is only increasing his chances of clinching the super-G Crystal Globe with several races yet to come this season.
Having started the race wearing bib No. 15, Odermatt's excellent run featured impressive moments of controlled aggression. Reflections on the race conditions indicated it was not typical, with overcast skies but comparable race speeds to the previous day's sunshine. The thrilling dynamics of the race saw the lead change multiple times, with five skiers at one point showcasing talent and speed through the course.
“It was very cool to have another win here,” Odermatt shared with 瑞士广播电台 (Swiss broadcaster RTS), showcasing his satisfaction with the victory, especially considering the challenges linked with starting from bib 15.
While the racing continued, the overall pace of the competitors was notable, particularly with the speeds recorded nearing 125 kph (77 mph). The depth of talent within the racers added to the excitement, as expectations for performances were high, intensifying competition among teammates and rivals alike.
The upcoming races are pivotal, with the men’s World Cup moving to Slovenia next weekend, where Odermatt is expected to compete again. With 500 points clear of his closest competitor Henrik Kristoffersen and over 600 points ahead of teammate Loïc Meillard, Odermatt's lead appears to be solidified heading toward the season's conclusion.
This victory adds significant momentum as the conclusion of the ski season approaches, and every race counts as skiers vie for the coveted globe trophies. The next competition will include giant slalom and slalom events at Kranjska Gora, allowing sensations like Odermatt to showcase their versatility and skill across disciplines.
For now, Marco Odermatt remains at the forefront of the ski racing world, with his performance at Crans-Montana signifying not only personal triumph but also the continued excellence of the Swiss men's ski team on the international stage. Fans eagerly anticipate the next challenges as the stars of skiing continue to prove they are the best during this compelling season.