In an unexpected turn of events, French skier Cyprien Sarrazin clinched a stunning victory in the men’s World Cup downhill event in Bormio, marking a significant triumph for the French team. It was their first World Cup downhill win in eight years, a feat last achieved by Adrien Theaux in 2015.
Sarrazin, showcasing remarkable skill and determination, completed the race with a slim margin of just 0.09 seconds ahead of world champion Marco Odermatt. This victory is Sarrazin’s second in his World Cup career, the first being a parallel giant slalom win seven years ago.
The race, held on the challenging Stelvio course, known for its icy and bumpy terrain, was a testament to Sarrazin’s prowess. He managed to outperform not only Odermatt but also Canadian racer Cameron Alexander, who secured a respectable third place, finishing 1.23 seconds behind the French victor.
This event, however, was not without its share of drama and setbacks for some of the top contenders. Marco Schwarz, the overall World Cup leader, suffered a significant crash during his run. The incident, which appeared to involve his right knee, resulted in Schwarz being airlifted from the hill for medical attention. This unfortunate event had a ripple effect on the overall season rankings, propelling Odermatt back to the top.
Despite Odermatt’s strong performance, securing his 11th career downhill podium, he fell short of clinching his first victory in the discipline. His journey was overshadowed by Sarrazin’s exceptional run, particularly in the final section, where Sarrazin gained a crucial time advantage.
The race also saw the withdrawal of last season’s World Cup downhill champion, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. Kilde’s decision to quit mid-run was due to damage to his ski after hitting a rock, a testament to the unforgiving nature of the Stelvio course.
Other skilled racers, such as Dominik Paris and Bryce Bennett, faced their own set of challenges on the demanding course. Paris, a record six-time winner of the Bormio downhill, managed to continue his run after a near-crash but finished significantly behind. Bennett, leading the downhill standings before the race, could not find his rhythm on the Stelvio and finished nearly five seconds off the pace.
The Bormio event, living up to its reputation as one of the toughest downhill courses, tested the limits of the world’s top skiers. While some struggled to navigate its treacherous paths, it was Sarrazin who emerged victorious, a result that will be remembered as a highlight of his career and a proud moment for French skiing.
As the World Cup circuit continues, eyes are now turning to the upcoming super-G race, scheduled to take place on the same challenging hill, promising more excitement and high-stakes competition.
