Another "on the limit" perfomance by Aleksander Aadmot Kilde in Wengen. Strong gusty winds shortened the longest Downhill in the World Cup by 40 to 45 seconds. The Norwegian who had won a shortened Downhill last year, proved once again that he feels right at home on the Lauberhorn racecourse. He laid the foundation for his victory in the top section. From Hundschopf to Wasserstation, Kilde smashed his competitors. Especially in the Kernen-S, he showed the competition how to master this key point.
Today's victory gives Kilde the Wengen double this weekend after winning the Super-G on Friday. He is the first one to achieved the double win in Wengen since Marc Girardelli in 1985.
The Attacking Viking has won four of the six Downhill events this World Cup season, exceeding his total from last season. It is his 37th career podium and 8th on the season.
With 10 Downhill wins Kilde is tied with Lasse Kjus for second-most World Cup Downhill wins among Norwegian men, only behind only Aksel Lund Svindal (14).
"I felt like I had good speed out of the tunnel and knew I had a chance. If I came down with green numbers, then it was a good sign. It is working well with my equipment and skiing. I can keep working on that and gain more confidence", said Kilde.
Marco Odermatt finished in second place +0.88 seconds behind Kilde. It is his eight career podium finish in a Downhill World Cup race. It is his13th podium of the season.
“Alex was once again incredible and by far the best today, so I am happy with the place. I can find two or three tenths but not 0.88 so he deserved the win, and I will have to work harder”, said Odermatt.
Italian Mattia Casse rounded out the podium in third place 1.01 seconds off the pace. It's his second podium in the World Cup. The 32-year-old Italian skier achieved his first World Cup podium this season in Val Gardena. Until then his best result in Downhill was a 7th place in Val gardena last season.
"I started very strong and to get a podium here is incredible. I am very, very happy", said Casse.
In fourth, Vincent Kriechmayr just missed the podium again.
In his last race in Wengen Beat Feuz finished in fifth place. The 35-year-old Swiss ace will contest his last two career Downhill races in Kitzbühel next week.
Feuz is one of six men to have won a Downhill crystal globe, world title and Olympic gold, along with Jean-Claude Killy, Bernhard Russi, Franz Klammer, Pirmin Zurbriggen and Aksel Lund Svindal.
With bib number 31 Marco Schwarz was the real surprise of the day. The 27-year-old, finished in sixth place (+1.29) in his first World Cup Downhill. "I'm a peechless", Schwarz said.