James Crawford: GEPA pictures
Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm Downhill: The Super Bowl of Races
The Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbühel, Austria, is alpine ski racing’s ultimate challenge. Drawing over 60,000 fans daily, the Streif combines high speeds, technical precision, and daring jumps. This year, Swiss skiers lead the standings, but Canadians were poised to fight for a spot in ski racing history.
A Legendary Course
The Streif in Kitzbühel is widely regarded as the toughest downhill in the world. From the air-launching Mausefalle (Mouse Trap) to the icy Steilhang (Steep Slope), the high-speed Hausbergkante (Mountain House break over), and the blistering Zielschuss (Finish Schuss), the course pushes every athlete to the edge of their ability—and often beyond.
Thrills and Chaos on the Streif
Once again, the Streif delivered a thrilling, high-stakes race. The Austrian crowd erupted early as Stefan Babinsky, the first of their home racers, attacked the course with fearless determination. Babinsky laid down a gutsy run, taking a commanding early lead by nearly two seconds, igniting the hopes of the partisan crowd.
However, Switzerland’s Alexis Monney quickly stole the show. Wearing bib 4, Monney charged down the course with fearless precision, riding the fine line between control and chaos. He attacked every section, delivering a daring run that launched him into the temporary lead by 0.53 seconds over Babinsky.
“Second place in Kitzbühel is incredible—it’s such a special feeling,” said Alexis Monney. “The Streif is so demanding; every turn tests you, and to stand on the podium here is like a dream come true. The conditions were smoother than in past years, which made it a bit more enjoyable to ski, but it’s never easy—it’s still the Streif. I had so much fun today and am really proud of this result. This race and this place are something I’ll always remember.”
Canada’s Cameron Alexander followed soon after, wearing bib 6. Teetering on the edge of control through every sector, Alexander’s aggressive, risk-filled approach temporarily propelled him into second place, just 0.22 seconds behind Monney.
A Historic First Victory for Crawford
James Crawford claimed his first-ever World Cup victory in spectacular fashion, conquering the iconic Streif in Kitzbühel. With his fearless performance, Crawford joined an elite group of Canadians to win the Hahnenkamm downhill, including Ken Read (1980), Steve Podborski (1981 and 1982), and Todd Brooker (1983).
Starting with bib 20, Crawford attacked the Streif with confidence and determination, balancing on the edge of control through the course’s most punishing sections. His run was a masterclass in courage and adaptability, finding time where others faltered, particularly in the middle sectors. Crossing the finish line 0.08 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Alexis Monney, Crawford made history as the first Canadian to win the Hahnenkamm downhill in 42 years.
“It’s been a while since Canada’s had a day like this at Kitzbühel. To stand on the podium with Cameron [Alexander] and bring back that history from the Crazy Canucks days—it’s something I’ll cherish forever. Guys like Ken Read and Todd Brooker paved the way, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward,” Crawford said.
The result marked a landmark day for Alpine Canada Alpin, with Crawford and Cameron Alexander sharing the podium. Alexander’s aggressive run earned him third place, 0.22 seconds behind his teammate. Together, they delivered a performance that not only cemented Canada’s place in the history of the Streif but also marked Crawford’s unforgettable first World Cup victory.
“Winning my first World Cup on the Streif? It’s surreal. I’ve dreamed of moments like this, but to cross the line and see green—it’s beyond words. It’s been a long time coming for me, and to make it happen here, on this legendary course, is incredible,” said James Crawford.
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Canada Dominates a Historic Podium
James Crawford’s fearless victory and Cameron Alexander’s third-place finish marked a historic moment for Canada on the world’s most iconic downhill course. Crawford claimed his first World Cup downhill victory, edging Switzerland’s Alexis Monney by just 0.08 seconds. Monney’s near-flawless run secured second place, continuing Switzerland’s podium streak despite failing to claim the win.
“I’m still in shock. This win feels bigger than I ever imagined. I’ve been waiting for my first World Cup victory, and for it to come here, at Kitzbühel, is something I’ll never forget. Tonight, when I lift that trophy, it’ll finally feel real,” said Crawford.
Alexander delivered an aggressive, risk-filled run to take third, finishing 0.22 seconds behind Crawford. The result echoed Canada’s historic triumph in 1983, when Todd Brooker claimed the Hahnenkamm downhill title with Ken Read in third, ending a 42-year drought for Canadians on the legendary course. Meanwhile, Marco Odermatt’s rare absence from the podium, finishing sixth, underscored the unpredictable drama of the Streif, where nothing is ever guaranteed.
“I don’t think you can ever be perfectly comfortable on the Streif—it’s a beast for sure,” Cameron Alexander said after securing his second podium of the season. “But I felt like I could push and attack all the way down today, and that made the difference. This place is incredible—easily my favorite place to race every year.”
Odermatt Misses the Podium
Marco Odermatt, the pre-race favorite and a dominant force in men’s downhill this season, shocked fans with a sixth-place finish. This marked only the second time this season that the Swiss star failed to land on the downhill podium. Odermatt trailed throughout his run and finished 0.55 seconds behind Crawford. While a sixth-place finish on the Streif remains highly respectable, it underscored how even the best can struggle on the world’s most demanding course.
“Last year I finished second, and it felt like, ‘argh,’ but this year, I’m okay with it,” Marco Odermatt said with a wry smile after placing sixth in the 2025 Kitzbühel downhill. “It was a solid run, not my best. And here on the Streif, if it’s not your best, you can’t win—it’s as simple as that.”
The leader of the Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom, and Overall standings had made it clear that winning the Hahnenkamm downhill was a major goal this season. “A big goal and dream remains,” Odermatt added. “This place is so special, and it’s one of the toughest to conquer. I’ll keep pushing for that win.”
This version captures Odermatt’s reflections on the race and his determination to achieve his goal. Let me know if you’d like adjustments!
Hemetsberger Narrowly Misses the Podium
Austria’s Daniel Hemetsberger thrilled the home crowd with a bold, aggressive run that kept him in contention through every split. The 32-year-old pushed the limits on the unforgiving Streif, but his effort fell just short. Crossing the finish 0.35 seconds behind Crawford, Hemetsberger ended the day in fourth place, narrowly missing the podium.
The result extended Austria’s men’s downhill podium drought, much to the disappointment of the passionate home fans, who had been hoping for a return to glory on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
Swiss Streak Ends on the Streif
Coming into Kitzbühel, the Swiss men’s downhill team had been the dominant force this season, finishing first and second in every downhill race so far. However, the Streif proved to be their toughest challenge yet. For the first time this season, Switzerland not only missed out on a one-two finish but also failed to claim victory.
Alexis Monney salvaged second place with a near-flawless run, keeping the Swiss on the podium. Yet, pre-race favorite Marco Odermatt, who is almost unbeatable, finished a surprising sixth, 0.55 seconds behind winner James Crawford. The rare misstep on the world’s most iconic downhill course marked a shift in momentum, with Canada rising to steal the spotlight.
Courage on the Streif
The Streif is not just a racecourse; it’s a gauntlet. Anyone who leaves the starting gate on this iconic downhill deserves respect. The world seems to drop away from the start house, with the town of Kitzbühel visible far below—a stark reminder of the immense challenge ahead. The Streif is as much a test of courage as it is of skill, and every racer who takes on this legendary course has already achieved something remarkable.
A Big Day for Canada
Canada had plenty to celebrate in Kitzbühel, with James Crawford securing his first World Cup downhill victory and Cameron Alexander claiming third. Beyond the podium, Brodie Seger also delivered a strong performance, finishing in 23rd place, 1.47 seconds behind Crawford. It was a historic and triumphant day for Alpine Canada Alpin, with their depth on full display.
A Tough Outing for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team didn’t achieve the results they had hoped for on the demanding Streif, but several athletes still put in respectable performances. Ryan Cochran-Siegle led the American contingent with an 19th-place finish, 1.39 seconds behind Crawford. Jared Goldberg followed in 25th, finishing 1.52 seconds back, while Bryce Bennett ended the race in 29th, 1.81 seconds off the winning time.
“The Streif demands everything from you—full commitment and precision, especially through sections like the Hausberg,” said Cochran-Siegle of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. “My run started rough; I got low before the carousel turn, which isn’t how you want to begin. Things came together better once I got onto the road, but on a course like this, you need full commitment to the line, and I wasn’t quite there today.”
“Watching James Crawford and Cameron Alexander was inspiring,” Cochran-Siegle added. “They’ve been skiing so well this season, and delivering here shows what’s possible with focus and speed. As Americans, we hoped for better today, but this race is about learning and building toward the next challenge. There’s always more to take from each run.”
Though not the outcome they were aiming for, tackling the Streif is an achievement in itself, and the team will look ahead to the next challenges on the World Cup circuit.
Top 30 Finishers
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Run Analysis: Top Three Performers and North Americans in the Top Thirty
About the Author: Peter Lange
