Full Breakdown
Marco Odermatt Dominates Wengen with Historic Fourth Straight Downhill Victory
1/17/2026, 8:26:36 PM
Odermatt's Unprecedented Achievement at Lauberhorn
Marco Odermatt, the Swiss alpine skiing star, solidified his status as the king of the Lauberhorn by winning his fourth consecutive downhill race at the Wengen World Cup on January 17, 2026. This victory not only broke the tie with Franz Klammer and Beat Feuz for the most downhill wins on this iconic course but also marked Odermatt's seventh win of the 2025-26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season. The race was notably shortened due to strong winds, with competitors starting from the Hundschopf jump instead of the traditional upper section.
Odermatt finished with a time of 1:33.14, 0.79 seconds ahead of Austria's Vincent Kriechmayr and 0.90 seconds ahead of Italy's Giovanni Franzoni, who claimed third place. The crowd of approximately 30,000 Swiss fans erupted in celebration as Odermatt crossed the finish line, underscoring his dominance in the sport. “I didn’t think I could set this record today,” Odermatt remarked, acknowledging the significance of his achievement.
The Impact of the Shortened Course
The decision to shorten the course transformed the race dynamics, allowing skiers to adopt a more aggressive approach without the need to conserve energy for the latter parts of the run. Despite the alterations, Odermatt's performance remained exceptional, as he navigated the course's challenges with precision. His ability to maintain speed through critical sections was pivotal in securing his victory. “Where I lost the race yesterday, I won it today,” he stated, referring to his fourth-place finish in the super-G the day prior.
Rising Star Giovanni Franzoni
Giovanni Franzoni, who finished third, also made headlines by securing his first World Cup victory in the super-G just a day earlier. The 24-year-old Italian skier has emerged as a promising contender, showcasing his talent on the Lauberhorn course. “Getting my first downhill podium here is phenomenal,” Franzoni expressed, highlighting the emotional significance of his achievements in light of his recent struggles, including the loss of his close friend Matteo Franzoso.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the race, Odermatt emphasized the unique atmosphere of Wengen, stating, “The atmosphere here is incredible.” He also praised Franzoni's performance, acknowledging the pressure he faced as the first racer down the slope. Kriechmayr, who finished second, reflected on the challenge of competing against Odermatt, noting, “He beat us almost eight-tenths without starting from the very top.”
What's Next for the Athletes
The next event on the World Cup circuit is scheduled in Kitzbühel, Austria, where skiers will compete in multiple races, including another downhill. As the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina approach, both Odermatt and Franzoni will be key figures to watch, with Odermatt aiming for multiple medals after winning gold in giant slalom at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is crazy, I don’t even know what to say! I didn’t think I could set this record today. I knew I could do it in Adelboden with the fifth one, but now I have my name on top in both home races,” — Marco Odermatt
- “Getting my first downhill podium here is phenomenal,” — Giovanni Franzoni
- “My run was really good — maybe I could find two or three tenths,” — Vincent Kriechmayr
In conclusion, Marco Odermatt's historic victory at Wengen not only cements his legacy in alpine skiing but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead as he pursues further accolades and prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games.
