The Unexpected Turn of Events
The third Descent of the season in Bormio brought forth a series of unexpected events that left the skiing world in awe. The morning began with Austrian Stefan Babinski setting the initial pace, only to be surpassed by Slovenian Hrobat. However, it was young Swiss skier Franjo Von Allmen who stole the show, crossing the finish line in 1.53.67 and setting the tone for the rest of the competition.
As the favorites took to the slopes, Von Allmen’s time proved to be a formidable challenge. Canadian Alexander Cameron, who had topped the training sessions, fell short by almost half a second. The final stretch of the Stelvio descent seemed to be the deciding factor, with Von Allmen showcasing his impressive skills.
The morning was not without its scares, as American Ryan Cochran-Siegle experienced a harrowing moment when his right ski popped off, sending him flying into the air. Fortunately, he emerged unscathed and received a standing ovation as he crossed the finish line.
A New Challenger Emerges
Just as it seemed that Von Allmen’s time would be unbeatable, Swiss skier Alexis Monney appeared at the starting gate, ready to shake things up. With a personal best eighth place in his World Cup career, Monney’s victory was a surprise to many. His time of 1.53.43 not only secured his first World Cup win but also marked the fourth Swiss victory in Downhill this season.
The Swiss team’s dominance in the Downhill classification is undeniable, with four skiers currently leading the charge: Marco Odermatt, Franjo Von Allmen, Justin Murisier, and Alexis Monney. The General classification remains unchanged, with Odermatt still in the lead, followed by Kristoffersen and McGrath. As the competition heats up, one thing is certain – the Swiss team is a force to be reckoned with.