Giovanni Franzoni triumphs in the Kitzbuehel downhill, one of the most prestigious races of the men’s Alpine skiing World Cup. The Italian, 24 years old, achieved the second victory of his career on the legendary Streif after his exploit in the Super-G in Wengen. Franzoni won in 1’52”31, preceding the Austrian Marco Odermatt by just 7 hundredths (1’52”38). Third place for the French Maxence Muzaton (1’52”70), who takes the last step of the podium from the Italian Florian Schieder, fourth in 1’52”98. Seventh place for Dominik Paris (1’53”24) and eleventh Mattia Casse (1’53”71).
Franzoni interpreted the track to perfection, with an aggressive attitude right from the starting gate. He was able to maintain a tight line in the most treacherous passages and managed the most technical corners perfectly, without losing speed. “It’s simply crazy to win here, it’s only my second time on this track. I knew I was fast in the final part, but it was scary. I’m so happy, I can’t believe it. After the test I had no certainties, I didn’t feel at my best. I knew I could be fast in the central part and today this made the difference”, he comments at the end.
On Rai’s microphones, Franzoni can’t hold back his tears: “I’m shaking. I was super excited for the race, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I struggled a bit in the first part, I skied like hell underneath… The cents are on my side this time”.