The Swiss resort of Crans-Montana which will stage the next Alpine Skiing World Championships in 2027, staged the first competition on the new Nationale course, redesigned under the guidance of 2010 Winter Olympic downhill champion Didier Défago at the weekend. It set the stage for competitions in both the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Downhill and Super-G disciplines.
On Saturday, February 22, the men’s downhill race culminated in a historic Swiss podium sweep. Franjo von Allmen, the recently crowned world downhill champion, secured his first World Cup downhill victory with a time that edged out teammate Marco Odermatt by just 0.13 seconds. Alexis Monney completed the all-Swiss podium, marking a significant achievement for the host nation. This victory not only reinforced von Allmen’s rising star status but also highlighted the depth of Swiss talent in Alpine skiing.
The excitement continued on Sunday, February 23, with the Super-G event. Marco Odermatt, leading the overall World Cup standings, demonstrated his versatility and resilience by clinching his 45th World Cup victory. His performance solidified his position at the pinnacle of Alpine skiing this season. Alexis Monney maintained his impressive form, securing a second-place finish, while Italian veteran Dominik Paris rounded out the podium in third.
The weekend’s races were the inaugural events on the revamped Nationale course, a project spearheaded by Didier Défago. The redesign is aimed to enhance both the challenge for athletes and the experience for spectators, in anticipation of the 2027 Alpine Skiing World Championships, set to be hosted in Crans-Montana. The course received praise for its technical demands and seamless integration into the alpine landscape, reflecting Défago’s expertise and vision.
Pierre-Henri Mainetti, Marketing Manager of the Crans-Montana Tourist Office, said: “This weekend has been a monumental success for Crans-Montana. The combination of exhilarating races on our newly designed course and the overwhelming support from fans worldwide has showcased our resort’s commitment to excellence in alpine sports. We look forward to hosting more events of this calibre in the future.”
With the 2027 Alpine Skiing World Championships on the horizon, the successful hosting of this weekend’s World Cup events serves as a promising indicator of Crans-Montana’s readiness to welcome the global skiing community.
(Image top ©-DEPREZDUBUIS)
