The Crans-Montana Men's Downhill Ski Race held on February 22, 2025, showcased the overwhelming talent of the Swiss skiing delegation, which dominated the competition on home soil. Franjo Von Allmen, fresh off his championship win at the Saalbach World Championships, clinched the top spot, finishing just 14 hundredths of a second ahead of his compatriot Marco Odermatt, the reigning star of the sport. Alexis Monney, who has also been making waves on the skiing circuit, rounded out the podium, offering another impressive showing for the Swiss team.
The event marked the return of the men’s downhill race to Crans-Montana after thirteen years, reigniting excitement and nostalgia among fans. The course, once utilized during the World Championships way back in 1987, has seen a revival, but this time hosted exclusively male competitors. With thrilling performances and passionate spectators, the race proved to be not just about competition but also about heritage.
Colleagues and rivals of Von Allmen, Odermatt and Monney reaffirmed their places as frontrunners within the sport. Von Allmen’s victory, which he described as "an incredible feeling" after entering the race with some pressure, constructed the narrative of his noteworthy ascent, especially after dropping his status as the World Champion during the previous season. He stated, "It's just amazing to win at home, and I hope this is only the beginning for more success to come." Meanwhile, Odermatt's reaction was equally enthusiastic; the skier expressed pride and satisfaction with dominating the first sector of the race before his signature punchy finish earned him the second position, confirming his elite status even on what some considered easier terrain.
Monney, too, demonstrated his impressive abilities, finishing third and securing yet another top-three finish alongside his talented Swiss teammates. "Being on the podium with my fellow countrymen is something special," he remarked, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the competition and camaraderie among the skiers.
Interestingly, the nature of the Crans-Montana course was described as particularly forgiving by many of the athletes—something they attributed to the light snowfall and mild conditions leading up to the race. Despite this, they all agreed such conditions benefit heavier skiers, meaning competitors like the Italian Dominik Paris and American Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who performed well, might have had distinct advantages due to their physical builds.
Gaël Zulauf, who achieved 19th place alongside Odermatt, expressed immense pride and shared optimism about the race. “It’s incredible to ski before the Swiss public. Each support of the crowd fills you with energy and motivation to perform your best," he stated. This sense of solidarity among athletes and the pride of competing on familiar terrain added to the excitement of the day.
Yet not all moments were triumphant; Arnaud Boisset's fall during qualifying triggered concern. He conveyed, "It’s never ideal to fall, and I wanted to qualify to ski before my home crowd. But fortunately, I got up without any serious issues." His determination to recover reflects the spirit of the competitors at Crans-Montana, each striving to perform their best under pressure. Despite setbacks, competition within the ski community was proven fierce and vibrant.
The event not only served as a platform for showcasing Swiss talent but also as a reminder of the historical legacy of skiing at Crans-Montana. With cheers echoing through the slopes from the crowd of 6,000 passionate fans, it’s evident the enthusiasm surrounding this event has many hearts racing.
Overall, this year’s Crans-Montana Men's Downhill Race was not merely a competition but rather a celebration of the sport—the agility of the skiers, the support of the public, and the extraordinary backdrop of the Valais region blended seamlessly to create unforgettable moments.
Now with the race wrapped up, all eyes will remain on Crans-Montana as the skiing world looks forward to more thrilling events, including Slalom races and Super-G, continuing the electrifying energy and tradition set forth this weekend.