Cyprien Sarrazin shines on Streif for Kitzbuehel downhill victory
Jan 19, 2024·Alpine Skiing
Cyprien Sarrazin launched 36-meters off the daunting Mausefalle jump to begin his run, but made his mark on the lower section of the Streif with a high and fast line across the traverse to win a prestigious downhill in Kitzbuehel.
Kicking out of the start bib No. 14, the 29-year-old Frenchman improved upon his back-to-back runner-up downhill finishes last week in Wengen, winning his third career World Cup race. Sarrazin continued his torrid pace in 2024 with a fourth consecutive podium finish.
Sarrazin’s winning time on the vaunted 3.3-kilometer Streif was 1:55.75 on Friday. He was just 0.05 seconds faster than runner-up Florian Schieder (ITA), who skied bib No. 12, holding the lead briefly before the Frenchman’s triumphant run.
“It was not a perfect run, not an amazing run, but I finished with my heart,” Sarrazin said about his trip down the Streif. “I knew that I had some mistakes and that I had to finish very fast and that’s what I did.”
On a fear-inducing course where experience is paramount, it was only Sarrazin’s third race down the Streif, following a 10th place finish and a crash last season.
“My last time here I crashed into the nets and this time when I crossed the finish, I thought this is a victory for me,” Sarrazin said. “I didn’t feel really good at the top, but at the bottom I was physically really good and I said ‘push, push’ to the finish line.”
The French racer’s tactics and aggressive race line off the Hausberg jump were certainly well-executed, although he wouldn’t divulge details.
“I won’t tell you the secret with (another race) tomorrow,” Sarrazin said
Sarrazin becomes the third French racer to win a Kitzbuehel downhill following Luc Alphand (2x 1995 & 1997) and Jean-Claude Killy (1967). Alphand celebrated with Sarrazin in the Kitzbuehel finish area.
“A dream came true – after Luc, it is a perfect day,” Sarrazin said, with Alphand at his side.
“He is spreading joy, he’s spreading happiness and first of all I’m happy for him – he deserved it,” Alphand said. “For French skiing, this is a fantastic day and I’m happy to give him the torch.”
Marco Odermatt was riding the momentum of consecutive downhill victories last weekend at the Lauberhorn in Wengen, but placed third, 0.34 second behind Sarrazin. The dominant Swiss racer hung on to his World Cup downhill lead, now 66 points ahead of the surging Sarrazin.
“It wasn’t my best run of the season, but I am very happy with a podium here,” Odermatt said. “If you don’t show your best skiing in Kitzbuehel, then you can’t win here, but it’s alright I guess.”
Odermatt commended Sarrazin, who snapped his two-race winning streak.
“He skied smart, he did nothing super special, but he has been super fast lately and he is able to win even without 100-percent,” said the overall World Cup leader.
For the 28-year-old Italian Schieder, it was just his second World Cup podium, following a runner-up finish, also attained in Kitzbuehel last season. He was 0.23 seconds behind Vincent Kriechmayr.
“I always come here with a smile in the start gate – I’m always happy to be here and let’s see what I can do tomorrow,” Schieder said. “Of course, it is easier to ski well after a good result.
“Also tomorrow, I can ski easy with a clear mind and I hope for another podium,” he said.
American Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA) uncorked his best run of the season, but missed a podium by the narrowest of margins, finishing fourth, 0.01 seconds behind Odermatt.
Three-time Hahnenkamm downhill winner Dominic Paris (ITA), was unable to equal four-time champions Didier Cuche and Franz Klammer, finishing seventh.
The first of two downhills in Kitzbuehel was delayed by one hour due to light snowfall and less than ideal visibility on the course. However, the skies began to clear and organizers were able to stage the race from the top of the Streif without any weather-relaed holds. Fifty-seven racers representing 11 countries competed on Friday.
The top ten finishers were separated by only 1.15 seconds, while the margin between the best five was less than half-a-second.
Sarrazin and his challengers will have another chance for glory on the Streif on Saturday, with the Hahnenkamm downhill proper.
“Everything is possible, no limits,” Sarrazin said confidently.
