Marco Odermatt Clinches World Cup Overall and Downhill Titles

Marco Odermatt secured both the overall and downhill titles in the World Cup on March 15, 2024, following a remarkable performance in Courchevel, France. The Swiss skier achieved the third-fastest time in the season’s penultimate downhill race, solidifying his dominance in the sport. This victory marks Odermatt’s fifth consecutive overall title, placing him alongside Marc Girardelli on the all-time winners list, trailing only Marcel Hirscher, who holds eight titles.

The achievement of the big crystal globe was expected for Odermatt, as the only competitor with a chance to overtake him, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, does not participate in downhill races. With over 600 points separating him from the top spot, Braathen’s chances to close the gap in the remaining six races of the season were virtually non-existent. Odermatt’s mastery of the downhill discipline is further underscored by his third consecutive downhill globe, adding to his total of ten career discipline titles.

As he prepared for his run, Odermatt was aware that the downhill title was already secured. His only remaining challenger, teammate and Olympic champion Franjo von Allmen, had skied out earlier in the event. Von Allmen needed to finish in either first or second place to preserve any hopes of contention. Unfortunately, he lost control in a right turn, unable to adjust after entering soft snow outside the course boundaries.

Racing conditions were warm and sunny, and Odermatt clocked a time that was just 0.31 seconds behind race leader Vincent Kriechmayr of Austria. Giovanni Franzoni of Italy followed closely in second place, trailing by a mere 0.09 seconds. The course, previously used for the 2023 World Championships, showcased the talents of several competitors who were still making their runs.

With his focus now shifting towards the upcoming events, Odermatt is anticipated to add the super-G globe this weekend, and he stands in a strong position to capture the giant slalom title at the World Cup Finals next week. He previously won four globes in both of the last two seasons, showcasing his consistent performance and versatility across different skiing disciplines.

As the season progresses, the spotlight remains on Odermatt, whose achievements not only elevate his status within the sport but also inspire a new generation of alpine skiers. His journey reflects both dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence in competitive skiing.