On December 20, 2024, Mattia Casse made history by clinching his first victory in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, triumphing at the Super-G event on the legendary Saslong course at Val Gardena. The 34-year-old Piedmontese athlete finished with an impressive time of 1:28.23, narrowly edging out American skier Jared Goldberg by just one hundredth of a second, and reigning overall champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland by 43 hundredths.
The atmosphere at Val Gardena was electric as Casse celebrated what many described as the culmination of years of hard work and determination. This victory not only marked his first World Cup win, but also represented the first Super-G win for Italian racers since March 2019, when Dominik Paris last took gold at Soldeu, Andorra.
“Today the conditions changed frequently. I believe I made the difference at the beginning and the end of the run,” Casse told Sky Sport after the victory. “I gave away something at the end, but it was just enough to keep my lead.” His comment highlighted the added pressure of the race, knowing how close the competition was, particularly with Goldberg, who benefitted from favorable conditions with bib number 26.
The race began with Ryan Cochran-Siegle setting the first reference time, only to be improved upon by Canadian Cameron Alexander. The anticipation built up as the big names of the sport approached the gates. Frenchman Cyprien Sarrazin created the first twist when he failed to finish, followed by Switzerland’s Stefan Rogentin, who matched the earlier best times. Casse, starting with bib number ten, was the last competitor to take the lead, showcasing his well-rehearsed strategy on the Saslong.
Casse's run was nothing short of execution perfection, and the fans erupted when he secured the lead, proving his training over the last few weeks paid off. Despite the worsening weather conditions later on, which included snow and wind, Casse showcased his prowess, executing the run with remarkable precision as the clouds rolled over the picturesque Dolomites.
Goldberg's near-miss illustrated the razor-thin margins at play, finishing at 1:28.24. “I had such good conditions today, and I ended up just shy,” stated Goldberg, visibly pleased with his performance, which marked his first career podium at 33 years old.
Meanwhile, Odermatt attempted to replicate his earlier success from Beaver Creek but couldn't match Casse’s time, finishing third with 1:28.66. “It’s tough to see someone win by such a small margin, but this is racing,” Odermatt noted, acknowledging Casse’s tactical excellence.
The day was not without its drama; the race saw interruptions due to the fall of Austrian skier Daniel Danklmaier, who faced serious injury, demonstrating the risks athletes face on the slopes. Despite the inherent dangers, the overall spirit remained high, with excitement permeated throughout the venue, and the Italian contingent pushed for their fellow competitors, including the likes of Dominik Paris, who finished tenth.
Casse's victory resonates well beyond the slopes; it is seen as not just a personal achievement but also significant for Italian skiing, which can sometimes be overshadowed by athletes from Austria and Switzerland. “It feels amazing to win on home turf,” Casse declared, his delight evident as he celebrated with his family and teammates.
Looking at the broader picture, Casse's win not only re-establishes Italy's presence on the podium but could potentially revive the competitive spirit needed for the upcoming events. Having been plagued by injuries earlier in his career, this victory symbolizes resilience and the spirit of top-level sport.
Following this stellar event, all eyes will be on Casse and his compatriots as they prepare for the next competition, where they hope to capitalize on this momentum. The Super-G event solidified not just individual talent but showcased the collective camaraderie and competitive edge of the Italian alpine skiing community. Their next challenge will be the downhill event scheduled for Saturday, beginning at 11:45 AM.
With this unforgettable win, Mattia Casse has cemented his name among the greats of skiing, and one can only wonder what more this talented athlete will achieve as he continues his season.
