Italian skier Giovanni Franzoni continued his impressive World Cup season by clinching victory on the iconic Streif course in Kitzbuhel, Austria, ahead of the upcoming downhill race at the Winter Olympics. This win follows his first career triumph in a super-G event at Wengen just a week ago.
Franzoni, a 24-year-old former junior world champion in downhill, super-G, and combined disciplines, had not previously reached a World Cup podium until last month when he secured a third-place finish in Italy. His recent success comes after the tragic loss of his close friend and former roommate Matteo Franzoso in a preseason training accident in Chile.
During the race, Franzoni set an early pace as the second starter, with several competitors posting faster split times but failing to maintain their advantage on the demanding course. He ultimately secured victory by edging out world champion Marco Odermatt by a mere 0.07 seconds, denying Odermatt his first win in the prestigious event.
French skier Maxence Muzaton, starting late with bib 29, briefly led Franzoni during his run but fell short, finishing in third place. Canadian racer Cam Alexander placed 14th, while the defending champion Jack Crawford of Toronto ended up in 23rd place.
Odermatt, who won the super-G the day before, initially led Franzoni during the downhill run but lost ground in the challenging final section of the course. Despite the overcast conditions affecting racer speeds compared to training runs, Franzoni showcased his skill and courage on the treacherous Streif course.
The Hahnenkamm weekend, featuring high-profile guests like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jurgen Klopp, is a highlight of the World Cup calendar with significant prize money awarded to the winners. The event will culminate with a slalom race on Sunday.