Odermatt wins the overall World Cup and the downhill globe

Vincent Kriechmayr powered to victory in Friday's FIS World Cup downhill at Courchevel, holding off a hard-charging Giovanni Franzoni by just nine-hundredths of a second in one of the season's closest finishes.Friday's Men's Downhill Results:

1. Vincent Kriechmayr (AUT) - 1:42.88

2. Giovanni Franzoni (ITA/Rossignol) - +0.09

3. Marco Odermatt (SUI) - +0.47

The Austrian's winning time secured his first downhill victory of the season, but the day's biggest story belonged to third-place finisher Marco Odermatt, who officially clinched both the overall and downhill World Cup titles with his podium performance.

Kriechmayr, starting in ideal conditions on the demanding Courchevel course, laid down a commanding run that combined technical precision through the upper gliding sections with aggressive line choices on the steep lower pitch. His time of 1:42.88 held up through the remaining starters, though Franzoni came agonizingly close to denying him.

Vincent Kriechmayr's victory ended an unprecedented drought for Austria in the downhill. The Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) had to wait 23 races for a triumph in the premier discipline. The last victory, also by Kriechmayr, dated back to March 2023. However, the Upper Austrian's 20th World Cup win hung by a thread.

"I knew I had a good run, but when Giovanni came down, I thought for sure he had me," Kriechmayr said in the finish area. "Nine-hundredths — that's nothing. It could have gone either way. I'll take it."

Franzoni, racing on Rossignol skis, delivered a nearly flawless performance that thrilled the Italian contingent in the crowd. The 26-year-old from Val Gardena entered the final section with a slight advantage but lost crucial time in the compression before the finish, crossing just 0.09 seconds behind.

"I gave everything I had," Franzoni said. "Vincent skied a perfect race. Second place at a World Cup downhill — I'm very happy, even if you always want more when you're that close."

The day was to belong to Odermatt, though, whose remarkable achievement of a total of five overall Crystal Globes moves him level with the record of Marc Giradelli (LUX).

Reflecting on a tough race, he said: "It was very difficult, a very tough race. I have never been as tired as at the finish today, it has been a long season.

"At the lower section the snow wasn't good, I was pushing against nothing.

Assessing his achievements, Odermatt said: "For me the downhill globe has become the most important thing in my career, and to win this for a third time in a row, with such a big gap, has made it extra special.

"To be so consistent in every race and in every condition, to fight for the top spot every week and in every race with all the pressure makes me proud.”

The Swiss superstar delivered a characteristically solid run to finish 0.47 seconds off the pace in third place, sealing an historic double that cements his status as the sport's most dominant force.

"It's incredible," Odermatt said, visibly emotional after the race. "To win the overall is always the biggest goal, but to also take the downhill globe — that's something special. The competition in downhill is so tight, so strong. To be consistent enough to win it means everything."

Odermatt's downhill globe marks a remarkable achievement for a racer who only fully committed to speed events in recent seasons. Known initially as a giant slalom and super-G specialist, the 26-year-old has systematically conquered every discipline, becoming only the fifth man in the last 20 years to win both the overall and downhill titles in the same season.

"Marco has changed the game," said Swiss head coach Reto Nydegger. "His ability to win across all disciplines, his consistency, his mental strength — we're watching something very special."

The Courchevel downhill served as the penultimate speed race of the season, with only next week's World Cup Finals in Saalbach-Hinterglemm remaining. Kriechmayr's victory moves him into fourth in the final downhill standings, while Franzoni's breakthrough podium lifts him into the top 10.

For Odermatt, the pressure is now off as he heads to Austria with both major titles secured, though those who know him suggest he won't ease up.

"Marco doesn't know how to cruise," Nydegger said with a smile. "He'll be trying to win in Saalbach too."

The women's downhill at Courchevel is scheduled for Saturday, followed by the men's and women's super-G races on Sunday.