Kriechmayr bosses downhill as World Cup Finals start in Soldeu

Kilde meanwhile finally got his hands on the downhill globe, retaining the title from last year.

“It’s again a dream come true,” he said. “Today was an amazing race, a fair race, a tough one, so congrats to the winners.

“It’s been a crazy season but I’m really happy with how everything went. Sitting here with this globe for the second time in a row is unbelievable. I will keep going and see if I can do it again next time.

“It was of a fight to the end last year with [Beat] Feuz, so that was nerve wracking. Today I was more relaxed. I tried to ski for the win but wasn’t good enough today.”

The final word, though, should go to Johan Clarey (FRA), who called to an end a fantastic World Cup career aged 42.

The racer, who can look back on 240 World Cup starts, 11 podiums and an Olympic Games silver medal, showed all his trademark speed and touch, wearing a celebratory helmet made by his team, and finished 12th.

“It was really emotional this morning at the start,” he said. “I had a lot of good vibes from the athletes and I almost cried a couple of times. But I focused and managed a good race, I’m happy with my 12th place. Now I am just a tourist.

“I want to say a big thank you, to my family and friends, and expecially to my wife. It’s a big relief, I’m out of the pressure now, and I’m happy with what I did.” 

The skiing world salutes him. The men’s World Cup Finals continue with the super-G in Soldeu tomorrow.