A Surprise Victory on the Stelvio: Monney Claims First World Cup Downhill Win
In a stunning upset, 24-year-old Swiss skier Alexis Monney secured his maiden Alpine Ski World Cup victory on Saturday, conquering the challenging downhill course in Bormio, Italy. This triumph marks a notable milestone for Monney, who had yet to reach the podium in his 35 previous World Cup appearances.Monney’s remarkable performance saw him finish ahead of fellow Swiss skier franjo Von Allmen by a mere 24/100th of a second, with Canadian Cameron Alexander rounding out the podium in third place, 72/100th behind. Monney’s previous best result in the world Cup was an eighth-place finish in Kitzbühel, Austria, in February 2024.
Starting with bib number 19, Monney expertly navigated the demanding Stelvio slope, renowned as one of the most technically demanding courses on the circuit. This victory comes just a day after a serious accident on the same slope involving French skier Cyprien Sarrazin, who suffered a violent fall.
The French Ski Federation announced that Sarrazin, the reigning Bormio downhill champion and the world’s second-ranked downhill skier last season, underwent prosperous surgery overnight to address an intracranial hematoma.
Meanwhile, Marco Odermatt, the current leader of the overall World Cup standings and winner of the last three World Cup titles, had to settle for fifth place, 80/100th behind Monney. Odermatt’s performance was hindered by the unexpected deployment of his airbag safety system during the race. Despite this setback, Odermatt, who had secured consecutive victories in the downhill in Val Gardena, Italy, and the giant slalom in Alta Badia, Italy, maintained his lead in the overall standings with 585 points.Looking ahead to Sunday’s super-G race, also taking place in Bormio, Odermatt, who triumphed in this event in both 2022 and 2023, holds a commanding 116-point advantage over Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen, who is not competing in the speed events. The Bormio course will also host the men’s alpine skiing events at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan Cortina.
A Rising Star on teh Stelvio: An Interview with Former Downhill Champion, Franziska gritsch
alexis Monney’s stunning victory at Bormio this past weekend shook up the World Cup circuit. Joining us today to discuss this upset and the unfolding drama in men’s downhill is former World Champion and Olympic medalist, Franziska Gritsch. Franziska,welcome to the show!
Franziska: Thanks for having me! It was certainly an exciting weekend of racing,full of surprises and nail-biting finishes.
Moderator: Absolutely! monney’s win was a real shock. After 35 World Cup races without a podium finish, he suddenly claims victory on one of the most challenging courses in the world. What do you make of this win?
Franziska: Well, it highlights the unbelievable depth of talent we have in menS downhill right now. Monney has always shown promise, but this victory is a massive leap forward. He clearly put together a technically flawless run,navigating the Stelvio’s demanding turns and changing terrain with precision. It’ll be captivating to see if he can build on this momentum and challenge for more podiums.
Moderator: Do you think this win changes the landscape of the World Cup downhill standings? Odermatt remains in the lead, but his performance seemed hampered by the airbag deployment.
Franziska: Odermatt is undoubtedly still the man to beat, but this result will definitely inject a dose of uncertainty into the competition. Monney’s win shows that other skiers are stepping up, and the fight for the overall title is going to be even more intense.It wouldn’t surprise me to see Monney push Odermatt all the way to the finish line this season.
Moderator: Speaking of challenges, what are your thoughts on the accident involving Cyprien Sarrazin on the same slope just a day before the race? This course is notorious for its difficulty, and Sarrazin’s fall is a stark reminder of the risks these athletes take.
Franziska: It was a horrific crash, and I was deeply concerned when I heard about it. Sarrazin is an incredibly talented skier,and it’s heartbreaking to see him sidelined by such a serious injury. It underscores the delicate balance between pushing for speed and respecting the inherent dangers of this sport.
Moderator: It’s a reminder that while victory is a celebrated achievement, the safety of these athletes should always be the top priority.
Franziska: Absolutely. The FIS works continuously to improve safety measures,but ultimately,these skiers are pushing thier physical limits at incredibly high speeds. They deserve our admiration for their courage and skill, but we also need to acknowledge the inherent risks they face.
Moderator: Looking ahead to Sunday’s Super-G,Odermatt is the clear favourite,but with his recent setback,could we see another surprise winner?
Franziska: It’s definitely possible. The Super-G requires a slightly different skillset, with quicker turns and a greater emphasis on technical precision. while Odermatt is a force to be reckoned with, athletes like Kilde and Feuz could capitalize on any mistake and challenge for the podium.
Moderator: We’re certainly in for a thrilling weekend of racing. Franziska, thanks so much for sharing your insights with us today.
Franziska: My pleasure! It’s always a pleasure to talk about this sport I love.
we want to hear your thoughts! Did Monney’s victory impress you? Do you think Odermatt will bounce back? Share your opinions in the comments below.
