Marco Odermatt third Wengen downhill victory, 2025: GEPA pictures
Undoubtedly the Most Scenic World Cup
Widely regarded as the circuit’s most scenic World Cup stop, the Lauberhorn downhill began under warm, sunny skies and ideal conditions. Racers were greeted by a pristine course, perfectly prepared for a fast and thrilling competition. The breathtaking Wengen backdrop and perfect weather promised an unforgettable day on one of Alpine skiing’s most iconic tracks.
Hrobat Sets the Bar Early
Slovenian Miha Hrobat was the first racer to tackle the Lauberhorn course, setting an early benchmark. Building on the momentum of his first career podium earlier this season in Beaver Creek, Hrobat delivered an impressive run, reaching speeds as high as 96 miles per hour. Crossing the finish line in 2:23.15—the fastest time recorded on the full Lauberhorn course from the top—he set a high bar for those to follow. By the end of the race, Hrobat’s time held strong, earning him third place and his second podium of the season.
Hrobat, thrilled with his second podium of the season, shared his growing confidence and ambitions. “Second podium in a season, second time third place—it’s a very good result. Just those Swiss guys were a bit faster. But I know my time will come to step on the top of the podium,” Hrobat said.
“I was really relaxed. I knew that I am skiing well. I like the No. 1 bib, so my confidence was high. I pushed from the start—really good.”
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Paris Pushes Limits, Alexander Leads North Americans
Italian veteran Dominik Paris, wearing bib 6, was the first to challenge Miha Hrobat’s pace. Known for his power and experience, Paris exceeded 96 miles per hour in the Hanegg Schuss, attacking the course with characteristic aggression. Crossing the finish line just 0.12 seconds behind Hrobat, Paris momentarily took second place and celebrated with clear joy, knowing he had delivered a strong run. By the end of the race, his effort earned him a well-deserved fourth-place finish, reaffirming his status as one of the most consistent and competitive downhill racers in history.
Immediately after Paris, Canada’s Cameron Alexander became the first North American to threaten the lead. Charging confidently through the sectors, Alexander ultimately finished 0.14 seconds off the pace, temporarily taking third place. Though he dropped to fifth by the end, Alexander remained the top North American finisher.
Drama Strikes with Kriechmayr’s Crash
The Lauberhorn’s challenges were on full display with bib 8, Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr. Approaching the tricky Finish S turns, he momentarily lost control and became compressed onto his ski tails, sending him careening into the A net at high speed. Despite standing up and skiing to the finish on one ski, it was clear Kriechmayr had injured his knee. Austria, typically strong in downhill, failed to place a racer in the top 15.
Murisier Reenergizes Home Crowd
After a long delay, Switzerland’s Justin Murisier—winner of the first downhill of the season in Beaver Creek—attacked the course to the loud cheers of the home crowd. Despite his aggressive approach, Murisier finished 0.61 seconds behind the leader, crossing in fourth and becoming the highest-ranked Swiss racer at that moment.
Swiss Dominance Begins with Von Allmen
Wearing bib 12, Franjo Von Allmen electrified the Swiss fans with a breathtaking performance. The 23-year-old phenom, fresh off his super-G victory the day before, skied on the razor’s edge, pushing the limits of what is possible. Crossing the line in 2:22.95, he set another new course record and edged out Hrobat by 0.20 seconds. Tens of thousands of fans in the finish area and in the VIP section high up on the course erupted in cheers as Von Allmen celebrated his fearless run, setting the stage for a historic day for Swiss skiing.
Von Allmen reflected on his second-place finish with gratitude and joy.
“I’m really happy—one more beautiful day with an amazing crowd and perfect weather. It was just incredible,” Von Allmen said.
“It feels like a dream. I think I’ll only realize what this means after the winter, or maybe in the next weeks. Seeing my mum in the finish area was really special—she’s so happy for me. And I’m looking forward to celebrating with my friends at the after-party.”
Odermatt’s Historic Win
Immediately after Von Allmen, running 13th with the red leader’s bib, the pre-race favorite Marco Odermatt stormed out of the start gate on Swiss-made Stöckli skis. Widely regarded as the best skier of his generation, Odermatt attacked the course with unmatched intensity, threatening the lead at every split. In the challenging Finish S section, he momentarily lost pressure on his outside ski while pushing the absolute limits but recovered with masterful control. Crossing the line with a stunning new course record of 2:22.58, 0.37 seconds ahead of Von Allmen, Odermatt ignited thunderous applause from the Swiss crowd.
“Crossing the finish line at home in Wengen, in front of this incredible crowd, was just amazing,” Odermatt said. “After yesterday, showing such a strong reaction was important for me, and everything worked out perfectly today.”
Odermatt Joins Legends in Wengen
Today, Marco Odermatt joined Franz Klammer and Beat Feuz as the only skiers to claim three victories in the prestigious Wengen downhill. The Swiss team has dominated the discipline this season, securing first and second place in all four downhill races.
“It’s amazing to be the first man since Franz Klammer and Beat Feuz to win three downhills here in Wengen. Beat taught me so much about downhill skiing—how to be the fastest for so many years. Now, I’m proud to pass that knowledge on to the younger guys. It’s a special cycle of Swiss downhill excellence.”
“To have four double (first and second) victories in four downhill races is something that has never happened before. Sharing these emotions with the team and this incredible crowd is so special,” Odermatt reflected. “We, and all the ski fans, just have to enjoy this moment.”
Swiss Dominate the 2025 Lauberhorn Podium
Odermatt claimed his third Wengen downhill victory with a stunning full-course record of 2:22.58, joining Franz Klammer and Beat Feuz as the only skiers to achieve this milestone. Teammate Von Allmen finished 0.37 seconds back in second, continuing his excellent form after winning the super-G. Slovenia’s Hrobat, the first racer on the course, earned third place, 0.57 seconds behind, securing his second podium of the season.
The Swiss team showcased incredible depth, placing four skiers in the top eight. Murisier delivered a strong seventh-place finish, while Lars Rösti thrilled the home crowd with an impressive eighth-place result, skiing with bib 37. This dominant performance further solidified Switzerland’s standing as the powerhouse of the downhill season.
Odermatt remarked, “It’s crazy, it’s not just one guy, it’s the whole team who ski fast. We are pushing each other in the training and we help each other where we can and this makes us the best team in the world.”
Odermatt’s Icy Celebration
In a memorable finish to the day, Marco Odermatt took an ice axe to free the Lauberhorn trophy, which had been encased in a block of ice. Though he left a few holes in the prize, his beaming smile captured the pride of a remarkable performance.
Bennett Impresses with Strong Performance
Bib 14, Bryce Bennett of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, attacked the Lauberhorn course with determination. A fifth-place finisher in 2019, Bennett aimed for another strong showing on this storied track. He posted the fastest opening sector time and maintained a competitive pace throughout his descent. Crossing the line just behind Canada’s Cameron Alexander, Bennett finished sixth, 0.83 seconds behind Odermatt. His performance reaffirmed his ability to compete at a high level on Alpine skiing’s grand stage.
“Sixth is good, but at this point in my career, I want to win this downhill so badly. I felt like I was in a good position today, but one small mistake in the S turn cost me. There’s a lot of good skiing to take away, though, and I feel like I’m building confidence as the season progresses. The speed today was incredible—it’s all about learning and moving forward.”
North Americans Shine at the Lauberhorn
The North Americans delivered a strong performance on the Lauberhorn, with four racers finishing in the top 11. Canada’s Alexander led the charge with an impressive fifth-place finish, just 0.69 seconds behind Odermatt. Bennett of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team followed closely in sixth, 0.83 seconds off the lead. Canada’s James Crawford secured ninth place, 1.28 seconds back, while Bennett’s teammate Ryan Cochran-Siegle rounded out the group in 11th. This collective effort highlighted the depth and resilience of the North American racers on one of the World Cup circuit’s most iconic tracks.
Three additional North Americans earned points with top-30 finishes. Sam Morse of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team had a career-best day on the Lauberhorn, finishing 15th, 2.17 seconds off the pace, marking his strongest downhill result of the season. Teammate Jared Goldberg broke into the points for the first time this season, finishing 16th, 2.38 seconds back. Canadian Riley Seger completed the North American effort, placing 27th, 2.90 seconds behind. In total, seven North Americans finished in the top 30.
Top 30 Race Results
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Run Analysis: Fastest Three and Top 30 North Americans
About the Author: Peter Lange
