Vincent Kriechmayr / GEPA pictures
Vincent Kriechmayr is not done yet.
After weeks of speculation about his future, the Austrian speed star confirmed Thursday that he will return for the 2026-27 World Cup season, extending a career that has already produced 20 World Cup victories, two world titles, and multiple Olympic medals.
The decision keeps one of the few consistent challengers to Switzerland’s dominant speed team on the start list for another winter. At 34, Kriechmayr remains one of the strongest downhill and super-G skiers in the world, regularly battling Marco Odermatt, Franjo von Allmen, and the deep Swiss squad for podium positions.
“I want to add another season,” Kriechmayr said, according to Blue News. “A season in which I will once again put everything I have into it.”
Why was Kriechmayr’s future uncertain?
Kriechmayr left the door open to retirement after the 2025-26 season, fueling questions about whether Austria’s top speed racer would continue.
Part of that uncertainty centered on longtime fitness coach Peter Meliessnig, who worked with Kriechmayr for 9 years before joining Lindsey Vonn’s team in 2024.
Earlier this spring, Kriechmayr publicly expressed frustration over how the Austrian Ski Federation handled Meliessnig’s departure.
“It’s a shame that he wasn’t so highly regarded by the federation back then,” Kriechmayr said in comments that were widely interpreted as criticism of the ÖSV.
According to skinews.ch, Austrian men’s head coach Marko Pfeifer confirmed the federation remains interested in bringing Meliessnig back, although no agreement has officially been finalized.
Even without clarity on that situation, Kriechmayr ultimately decided to continue racing.
Kriechmayr still among the world’s elite in super-G and downhill
The Austrian veteran once again proved during the 2025-26 season that he remains one of the most dangerous speed racers in the world.
In super-G, Kriechmayr captured one victory and finished second in the discipline standings behind only Odermatt.
Downhill also produced another strong season. He earned three podium finishes, including one victory, while narrowly missing additional podiums with fourth- and fifth-place results during the winter.
Although the Swiss team controlled much of the speed season, Kriechmayr consistently remained in the fight. Few racers matched his ability to pressure Odermatt and Franjo von Allmen across both downhill and super-G.
Austria also relied heavily on Kriechmayr at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, where he teamed with Manuel Feller to win silver in the team combined event. The Austrian duo matched the time of Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard, while Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen and Tanguy Nef secured gold.
Why ski fans should be excited about another Kriechmayr season
Austria has struggled to consistently match Switzerland’s depth in the speed disciplines during recent seasons, making Kriechmayr even more important for the ÖSV.
His experience, tactical skiing, and ability to perform on demanding tracks continue to make him one of the most respected racers in the sport. Even as younger skiers emerge, Kriechmayr remains capable of winning on any downhill or super-G course on the calendar.
Despite his success and popularity, the Austrian downplayed the attention surrounding his decision to continue racing.
He told Blue News that he appreciates the support but does not fully understand the hype because he is “only skiing down the mountain on two wooden boards.”
If next season looks anything like the last one, however, Kriechmayr will again be far more than just another skier on the mountain. For Switzerland’s speed stars, he remains one of the toughest opponents in the sport.
About the Author: SR Staff Report
