World Cup in Kitzbühel: Falls overshadow ski star Odermatt’s first Streif victory

Ski star Marco Odermatt’s celebration of his first Streif victory was almost lost in the roar of the rescue helicopter. The Swiss’s triumph in the Super-G in Kitzbühel was overshadowed by a series of serious falls. The French team in particular was hit hard: former overall World Cup winner Alexis Pinturault was rescued in the helicopter in front of his shocked wife and small daughter.

As expected, the only two German starters, Romed Baumann in 21st and Luis Vogt in 28th, had nothing to do with the top positions.

Odermatt is already an Olympic champion, two-time world champion and three-time overall World Cup winner – and now also Kitzbühel champion. That was still a big goal, explained the 27-year-old. On Saturday (11.30 a.m./ZDF and Eurosport) in the downhill he wants to go one better. This is “the really big day,” said Odermatt. A victory in the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill run is even more prestigious than in the Super-G. The Swiss won it ahead of the Austrian Raphael Haaser and his teammate Stefan Rogentin.

Key – becomes the scene of an accident

Meanwhile, the many falls at the start of the race weekend in Tyrol are causing further discussions about the ongoing issue of safety in the Alpine Ski World Cup. Both veteran Pinturault and his French teammate Florian Loriot were flown away by helicopter. Their compatriots Nils Alphand and Matthieu Bailet were also eliminated.

“It’s extremely painful if you know a little bit about Alexis’ story,” said Odermatt about Pinturault’s exit. The 33-year-old only made his comeback this winter after tearing his cruciate ligament. He twisted his knee in the accident. Wife Romane, who was waiting in the finish area with their daughter in her arms and looking up at the mountain, put her hand over her mouth in shock. Shortly later, Loriot fell in the same corner as Pinturault and hit his head on the slope.

The point where the exit lane was crossed caused problems for several drivers. It was very restless there, explained Austrian Lukas Feurstein, who also fell at that position with start number one.

Fis boss admits there is a need for action

You have to take the current situation seriously and do something quickly, admitted the head of the World Association of Fis, Johan Eliasch, with a view to the many falls and failures this season. But it is not always easy to make changes. This was also shown by the introduction of the airbag requirement, which many athletes avoid with a special permit, said Eliasch.

On the Streif, one of the most dangerous and feared ski routes in the world, the issue of safety has been the focus for years. To some extent, the increased danger there contributes to the myth of the event. Since the violent fall of Cyprien Sarrazin almost a month ago, the discussions – including these days in Kitzbühel – have taken on a new dimension.

After his training accident in Bormio, the top driver of the French team, which was badly hit this winter, had to have head surgery and was in a coma for a while. Last year’s double champion is missing in Kitzbühel but is still omnipresent. Many still remember his fall shortly after Christmas. Now the next accident pictures were added.