Swiss star Marco Odermatt once again asserted his dominance in men’s Alpine skiing on Friday by narrowly winning the Super-G at the legendary Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbühel, Austria.

Marco Odermatt edges Franjo von Allmen to retain Super-G crown in Kitzbühel | FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2025/2026

 

Swiss star Marco Odermatt once again asserted his dominance in men’s Alpine skiing on Friday by narrowly winning the Super-G at the legendary Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbühel, Austria. In a thrilling battle decided by hundredths of a second, Odermatt edged out compatriot Franjo von Allmen by just 0.03 seconds to retain the Super-G title he also captured at this venue last season. The result underscores his status as the leading figure in the discipline and sets him up as a top contender heading into the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Super-G — a speed event that blends the technical precision of giant slalom with the outright velocity of downhill — unfolded under bright, sunny conditions on the famed Streif course. Despite a few imperfections in his line, Odermatt reached a top speed around 142 kph, and that blistering pace proved decisive. His experience and near-flawless execution allowed him to hold off his young teammate von Allmen, who delivered a sensational run and nearly snatched victory.

Von Allmen, still only in the early stages of what looks to be a breakout season, pushed Odermatt fiercely throughout the course and crossed the line in second place. The narrow margin — almost imperceptible in Super-G racing — highlighted both his rising talent and the depth of Swiss skiing. Although disappointed, the 23-year-old von Allmen drew praise for his aggressive skiing and will surely be one to watch in future speed events.

Austrian Stefan Babinsky delighted the home crowd by completing the podium in third, finishing about 0.25 seconds back, while teammate Raphael Haaser was fourth, close behind. Babinsky’s performance was notable, as he briefly held the lead during the early runs and kept pressure on the Swiss duo.

For Odermatt, this victory marks his eighth World Cup win of the season and adds to an already stellar campaign. It’s also his second career Super-G triumph in Kitzbühel, a venue revered by racers for its difficulty and history. With this win, Odermatt further cements his bid for a fifth consecutive overall World Cup title, a feat that would place him among the sport’s all-time greats.

The stretch of events at Kitzbühel comes at a pivotal point in the season — just weeks before the Winter Olympics begin. Odermatt’s victory not only boosts his confidence but also sends a strong message to his rivals: he is a serious favorite for Olympic gold, particularly in speed events where precision and nerve are paramount.

The race was also interesting for what it revealed about the next generation of Swiss skiers. Von Allmen’s emergence as a podium threat at major venues points to a continuing Swiss strength in men’s speed disciplines, signaling healthy competition within the team that could pay dividends at the Games.

Looking ahead, the classic Hahnenkamm weekend continues with the marquee downhill on Saturday, where Odermatt — still in top form — will attempt to add another prestigious victory to his season tally.