Marco Odermatt has finally added Kitzbuhel to his list of World Cup ski victories, winning an eventful super-G at the iconic Austrian resort on a day when some of his rivals, including French star Alexis Pinturault, crashed badly.
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It was the 44th career win for the Swiss ace Odermatt, who has been dominating World Cup racing for the past three seasons.
For all that, he hadn't finished better than second in 10 previous starts on one of the toughest courses of the circuit.
"It's an amazing day for me," he said after his triumph on Friday, adding that victory in Saturday's downhill remained "the big goal" for him this season.
The annual downhill at the posh ski resort is the most prestigious event of the World Cup circuit, attended by 45,000 spectators, including representatives of politics and entertainment.
"But it's a big step for me today, winning the super-G and having the golden (chamois) is very nice," said Odermatt, referring to the animal-shaped winner's trophy.
But the race was interrupted numerous times after racers crashed. Most notably, Alexis Pinturault had to be airlifted off the course with a right knee injury.
Entering a left turn, Pinturault caught a bump and his right ski hit a gate before he slid off the course. He initially stood up but laid down again and tapped on his right knee when medics attended him.
The French ski federation said Pinturault suffered a significant bone bruise on the medial plateau and a minor fracture of the medial meniscus, adding he would return to France for treatment.
Pinturault, a three-time Olympic medalist who won the 2021 World Cup overall championship, was competing in only his eighth race since returning from an 11-month lay-off for an injury to his left knee.
"So many crashes, especially Alexis again, that hurts," sighed Odermatt, adding he tried to pick a rounder race line in the section where many crashed over the icy bumps.
Racing in perfect, mostly sunny conditions, Odermatt wasn't clean in some sections but reacted quickly to regain his balance or get back on the ideal race line.
Raphael Haaser trailed Odermatt by only 0.11 seconds for second place in the Austrian's first race after a six-week injury layoff. Odermatt's Swiss teammates, Stefan Rogentin and Franjo von Allmen, placed third and fourth, respectively.
Odermatt extended his lead in the overall and discipline standings. He became the only skier with a second win in the discipline this season, after the first four super-Gs had four different winners.
Australian Associated Press
