2023-12-14 12:22:43
Marco Odermatt narrowly failed in his quest for a first downhill World Cup success. The 2023 world champion in the discipline finished 3rd in the first descent scheduled in Val Gardena, 0”05 behind the surprising Bryce Bennett.
The Nidwalden, who must compete in five races in five days until Monday, clenched his fist after taking the lead with a 0”45 lead over Cameron Alexander (10th in the end). But he had to admit defeat by 0”02 in front of the big favorite Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, Bryce Bennett putting everyone in agreement with bib 34.
Reigning world champion in the discipline, Marco Odermatt must therefore be content with a 10th podium in downhill after an event contested on a shortened course. Bryce Bennett has made an unexpected return to the forefront, after a complicated winter of 2022/23, to say the least.
Kohler s’illustre
The 31-year-old American, never ranked higher than 10th last season, is certainly at ease in Val Gardena where he picked up his only previous victory at this level at the end of 2021. He is not the only one to have taken advantage of the sun’s rays to shine: the young Swiss Marco Kohler finished 8th with bib 41.
The downhillers will battle it out a second time on Saturday on the Saslong, but this time over the entire course. A super-G, the first of winter, is also planned for Friday in the Dolomites resort. The White Circus will then move to Alta Badia, where two giants are scheduled to take place on Sunday and Monday.
ats/adav
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