A four-man podium in Kvitfjell and the end of an era

There has been no lack of action in the men’s downhill races this season in Kvitfjell (NOR). With a tied victory yesterday between Cameron Alexander (CAN) and Niels Hintermann (SUI), the anticipation for today’s race was high.

Olympic downhill champion, Beat Feuz (SUI), led the race until Norwegian, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde topped him by 0.26 seconds. 

But Dominik Paris (ITA) spoiled the Norwegian’s party, finishing 0.55 seconds in front to claim the victory. It was the Italian’s third downhill victory in Kvitfjell making him the only man to win more than twice on the hill. With today’s victory, Parils is back in the race for the downhill crystal globe with only the Finals left.

Hintermann closed the day sharing his step on the podium for the second straight race, tying countryman Feuz. Both Swiss skiers finished in third with a time of 1:44.73. The last time two Swiss male skiers finished tied was when Carlo Janka and Beat Feuz finished 3rd in the downhill race in Lake Louise (CAN) in 2019.

Finishing second, Kilde held onto his lead in the downhill World Cup standings, however, the battle is tight leading into the finals. Feuz is currently in second, only three points behind the leader and Matthias Mayer (AUT) in third, 28 points behind.

Today’s race also closes the chapter on one of the most legendary and iconic alpine racers, Kjetil Jansurd (NOR). After a long and very successful career, the Norwegian decided it was time to hang up his racing boots and focus on his next chapter. Click here to have further insight into Jansurd’s career.

Even with both downhill races complete, racing is not over in Kvitfjell. Athletes will be racing in the men’s Super G tomorrow which is scheduled to start at 11:00 CET.