Giovanni Franzoni Claims Maiden Alpine Ski World Cup Win in Wengen Super-G

The 24-year-old Italian skier Giovanni Franzoni unexpectedly won the Alpine Ski World Cup Super-G in Wengen, finishing ahead of Stefan Babinsky by 0.35 seconds and Franjo Von Allmen, who trailed by 0.37 seconds. Starting with bib number 1, Franzoni, who had set the favorite status after the two fastest training times in the Downhill, delivered a perfect run to achieve his first victory and second podium finish in the World Cup.

"It’s crazy because I had a bad crash here two years ago, but I also scored my first points here. It’s a special place for me. I’ve been working on my technique on the flat sections. And when you have that confidence, a lot of things become easier," Franzoni said.

Stefan Babinsky achieved his first podium finish in his 94th World Cup race. The 29-year-old Austrian skier had previously recorded three fourth-place finishes in the Super-G at Cortina, Aspen, and Cooper Mountain, as well as another fourth place in the Downhill at Kitzbühel.

"I'm very satisfied with my performance; I executed my plan effectively. It was a fast-paced battle from start to finish, but it's the conviction that makes the difference," Babinsky said.

Last year's Super-G winner, Franjo von Allmen, finished in third place and claimed his 12th podium in the World Cup, and fifth in the Super-G.

"I made an unnecessary mistake. I wasn't able to execute the turn cleanly in the final S-curve. But if it stays like this, I'll be happy. It could have been a disaster," Von Allmen said.