Kilde dominates in Wengen for another downhill win

The big names showed up in Wengen for one of the most famous races on the Audi FIS World Cup tour. The 93rd time the world’s best have taken on the Lauberhorn track.

The classic course was a mile shorter than usual, but the extra pressure proved no problem for Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR).

The Norwegian put together a graceful combination of finesse and power to soar past the field for victory on the downhill in Wengen.

“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.

The win gives Kilde the Wengen double this weekend after winning the super-G on Friday. It is also the 10th downhill and 19th overall World Cup win for the reigning downhill champion.

Kilde’s strong run to lead the podium gives him 37 career podiums and eight on the season.

Marco Odermatt (SUI) continues to push Kilde for the downhill crown. The Swiss skier could not capture his first downhill World Cup victory on home soil as he settled for second.

The overall leader raced through the course with the home crowd roaring in the background, but a couple unclean turns kept Odermatt 0.88 off Kilde’s pace.

“Alex (Kilde) 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.

It is already the 13th podium of the season for the sensational Swiss youngster, who has led the overall standings all season long and extends his lead.

Behind the two men dominating the season so far, Mattia Casse (ITA) put together a powerful early run from bib number three to finish third.

“I started very strong and to get a podium here is incredible. I am very, very happy,” said Casse.

It is the just the second career podium for the Italian veteran after placing third earlier this season in the downhill at Val Gardena.

He knows he has a long way to go to catch the likes of Kilde.

“Right now, it is too much. Step by step I will go fast and try to compete with him,” laughed Casse.

In fourth, Vincent Kriechmayr (AUT) just missed the podium by 0.14 seconds after a bold run cutting through a few gates.

The massive 30,000 strong crowd had plenty to cheer for with five Swiss skiers in the top ten.

None drew a stronger applause than the legend Beat Feuz (SUI) who finished fifth.

Feuz missed the chance at his 60th career podium but went for it all in his final race on his home soil. He was greeted with a curtain call amidst a sea of Swiss flags at the bottom of the hill as his family looked on.

The veteran has won the Wengen downhill three times in his decorated career.

Feuz will hang up the skis after next weekend’s races in Kitzbühel.