In a remarkable display of consistency and skill, Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt has once again proven his dominance in Alpine skiing by securing the men’s overall World Cup title for the fifth year running. The announcement came on Friday in Courchevel, France, where Odermatt also sealed the downhill crystal globe for the third consecutive season, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s premier athletes.
Odermatt’s clinching of the downhill title was confirmed even before the latest race commenced, thanks to the failure of his closest competitor, fellow Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen, to earn any points in the event. This development effectively put the downhill crown out of reach for von Allmen, allowing Odermatt to extend his lead to an unassailable 235 points in the speed discipline standings. With just one downhill race remaining on the calendar, scheduled for March 21 in Norway, Odermatt’s grip on the title appears unshakable.
The downhill race in Courchevel was won by Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr, who celebrated his first victory of the season and his first downhill win since 2022. Kriechmayr edged out Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni by a razor-thin margin of 0.09 seconds. Odermatt himself finished in third place, trailing the winner by just 0.31 seconds, showcasing his ability to maintain top-tier performances even when not crossing the finish line first.
Von Allmen, who made headlines as a triple gold medalist at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, unfortunately skied out of the race after starting 12th. The race had been rescheduled to an earlier time due to anticipated adverse weather conditions, which may have influenced the outcome. This setback for von Allmen effectively ended his challenge to Odermatt’s dominance in the downhill category this season.
Turning to the overall World Cup standings, Odermatt holds a commanding lead over Norway’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who represents Brazil in the competition. Odermatt’s advantage now stands at a staggering 632 points with six races still left to run this season. This cushion not only highlights his superiority but also makes it nearly impossible for any contender to catch up as the season progresses.
Reflecting on his achievements following the race, Odermatt described the day as “amazing,” expressing pride in his ability to consistently perform at a high level across a variety of courses and weather conditions. His versatility and resilience have been key factors in maintaining his winning streak and accumulating points steadily throughout the season.
With this latest victory, Odermatt has joined the legendary Marc Girardelli in second place on the all-time list of men’s overall World Cup champions, each boasting five titles. The only skier ahead of them is Austria’s Marcel Hirscher, who holds the record with eight overall World Cup championships, setting a high benchmark for future athletes.
Odermatt’s success this season is underscored by an impressive tally of nine race wins, which includes four in downhill, three in giant slalom, and two in super-G events. Additionally, he earned two silver medals and a bronze at the 2026 Winter Olympics, further demonstrating his prowess on the international stage. Currently, he leads the standings in both super-G and giant slalom disciplines as the season nears its conclusion.
Looking ahead, the Alpine skiing calendar features two more super-G races in Courchevel before the season finale takes place in Kvitfjell, Norway. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if Odermatt can maintain his exceptional form and add even more accolades to his already stellar career.
