‘On the limit’ Kilde spoils Swiss party in stunning Wengen super-G

“Special day for me, amazing feeling. It couldn’t be better,” the Swiss racer said. “That’s so special, my first podium and to share it with Oddie (Odermatt), that’s perfect.”

The third place means it is a highly impressive two wins, a second place and that third from the four super-G World Cup races so far for Odermatt. But the racer, who holds on to a narrow lead at the top of the season super-G standings, insisted his smiles were predominantly for his teammate.

“I am more happy for him than for me I guess, it’s so nice to see him the first time on the podium,” Odermatt said. “He is so fast in training for years already and that he managed to do it now the first time here in Wengen, the most special race for the Swiss team, it’s very nice for him.”

The Swiss man, who is also battling Kilde atop the race for the 2023 overall title, acknowledged he has some homework to do, ahead of the big race on Saturday.

“Aleks had an incredible run, especially on the top. I have to watch his run and try to do it like him tomorrow.”

Conditions are set perfectly for one of the most anticipated downhill races of every year, with the Swiss crowd poised to go particularly wild for local hero Beat Feuz.

The reigning Olympic downhill champion races for the final time on home snow on Saturday and he showed he will not go quietly, recording his best super-G finish of the season with seventh.

But the final word goes to Mauro Caviezel. After a fine career, including the super-G World Cup title in 2020, the 34-year-old Swiss man took the opportunity to announce his retirement in front of his appreciative home fans.