Marco Odermatt and Franjo von Allmen achieved a remarkable 1-2 finish for Switzerland at the Val Gardena downhill race, held on December 21, 2024. This victory marks the first Swiss success at this iconic location since Silvan Zurbriggen's triumph fourteen years ago.
Odermatt, demonstrating exceptional skill and preparation, completed the Saslong course with precision, especially excelling at the notoriously challenging Ciaslat section. His performance was so masterful, it evoked memories of his previous victories, including last year's extraordinary run at the World Championships, which cemented his status as one of the top athletes on the circuit.
Franjo von Allmen finished closely behind Odermatt, securing second place, which is particularly significant considering his impressive speed early on the course. The young skier, at just 23, marked his second podium finish, showcasing the talent blooming within Swiss skiing.
The race unfolded under favorable conditions for the later starters, allowing both Swiss athletes to take advantage of the improving track surface as the competition progressed. This dynamic is often seen on the Saslong, where timing and strategy can shift the results dramatically. Ryan Cochran-Siegle of the USA rounded out the podium, coming in third, not far behind the Swiss duo.
"Val Gardena from above was high on my priority list. I'm really happy to have achieved this," said Odermatt, reflecting on the significance of the moment. After facing challenges earlier this season, he successfully reclaimed his position at the top of the World Cup standings and heads toward future races with confidence.
Von Allmen expressed similar sentiments, noting the thrilling nature of such high-stakes races. "Such a race can be exhausting! It was often tight. I'm just glad it worked out this time," he remarked after the race. His performance instills hope for the future of Swiss skiing, with younger talent stepping forward.
The Swiss healing process has been gradual on the Saslong. With their previous dominance slipping away since the late 1990s, this victory revitalizes hope and pride among the Swiss skiing community. Odermatt's and von Allmen’s joint success is reminiscent of the legendary eras of Silvan Zurbriggen and Beat Feuz, who earlier graced the podium at Val Gardena.
With this latest win total, Odermatt now sits at 40 World Cup victories, tying with former great Pirmin Zurbriggen. This record does not just reflect individual triumph; it’s also indicative of his status as one of the finest alpine skiers of his generation. With the overall lead and success across multiple disciplines, his followers and fans look forward to his next outing.
His outlook remains optimistic; he is eager to maintain this momentum as the winter progresses. Already securing three victories this season, energy buzzes around the next challenge, which will take place at Alta Badia with another chance for glory. "It's going well. I was able to win across all disciplines. There’s still more to come," he assured, igniting excitement among enthusiasts.
