Zabystran’s Kitzbühel Super‑G: A Sign of Olympic‑Ready Form

odermatt Secures Kitzbühel Super-G Win as Zabystřán Breaks Into Elite Finish

Kitzbühel, Austria — A dramatic Super-G at the Hahnenkamm venue produced a narrow victory for Marco Odermatt, who clocked 1:08.41 to claim the win in front of a packed Alpine crowd. The result underscored the intense pace and risk that define this iconic race track.

Second place went to Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland, who crossed the line just 0.03 seconds behind Odermatt. The tightly contested duel highlighted how minor margins separate the sport’s top athletes on a course renowned for its high-speed demands.

Rounding out the podium were Babinsky (+0.25), Haaser (+0.33), Sejersted (+0.36) and Casse (+0.40), with the field featuring a blend of seasoned stars and rising talents.in a testament to the depth of talent,Zabystřán of the Czech Republic finished 19th,0.90 seconds off the winner.

For zabystřán, the race represented a continuation of a season that has seen him defy expectations. The czech racer, who had previously drawn attention for a standout victory in Val Gardena, has continued to show form ahead of the Olympic calendar. He reflected on the close contest and his performance, saying it was “a very close race” and that “it’s an honor to be here.”

“The second time I started like this at the beginning, I don’t feel fully pleasant. I don’t have to look at anyone, I only rely on my inspection,” Zabystřán explained. “I jumped to the left unnecessarily behind Hausberg, that annoys me. But otherwise we lost six to seven tenths on the entire track, it was possible to fight a little more at each gate.”

As the race unfolded, the elite seeded group showcased speed and precision, with Swiss rivalries and international challengers trading the lead before von Allmen edged ahead late in the run. A dramatic moment also came from Sejersted, who lost balance on a jump, flipping in midair but recovering to finish in a commendable fifth place.

Looking ahead, Zabystřán offered a forecast for the traditional Saturday showdown at Hahnenkamm. He described the course’s features, noting that the start will sit above Mausefalle and that jumps are expected to range from 35 to 40 meters, with the snow conditions adding to the unpredictability of the event. “It will be a nice spectacle,” he said, eyeing the coming challenge.

Key results at a glance

Place	Athlete	Time behind winner
1	Marco Odermatt	1:08.41
2	Franjo von Allmen	−0.03
3	Babinsky	−0.25
4	Haaser	−0.33
5	Sejersted	−0.36
6	Casse	−0.40
19	Zabystřán	−0.90

Evergreen insights for alpine racing fans

The Kitzbühel Super-G repeatedly tests nerve and technique, with starting position often influencing outcomes in fresh-snow conditions. Odermatt’s victory reinforces his ongoing form as the sport heads toward Olympic races, while Zabystřán’s steady showing signals continued relevance for a Czech program seeking podium moments on the world stage.

Val Gardena’s earlier result from Zabystřán’s season spotlight indicates that a strong early-season performance can translate into sustained confidence as athletes pace their campaigns toward Milan-Cortina-style Olympic calendars. Fans should watch how riders adapt to fast, exposed terrain and variable weather across the Alps as the sport moves deeper into the winter slate.

For readers seeking more context on official results and standings, credible sources such as the FIS database and Olympic coverage provide ongoing, authoritative updates as the season progresses.

What readers are asking

How much should starting order influence predictions in high-speed events like the Super-G? Do you expect Zabystřán to climb higher in the next Kitzbühel runs or in Olympic races as the season unfolds?

Official results and standings can be explored on the sport’s governing body pages: FIS Ski and Olympics.

Share your thoughts below and join the discussion as the alpine season surges toward the Olympic stage.

**1. Splits & line‑Selection**

.Zabystran’s Kitzbühel super‑G: A Sign of Olympic‑Ready Form

1. Race Overview – Kitzbühel Super‑G, 18 January 2026

• Date & venue: 18 january 2026 – Kitzbühel, Austria (Streif Super‑G course)
• Event: FIS Alpine World Cup Super‑G, women’s and men’s categories
• Key result: Viktor Zabystran (CZE) claimed 2nd place with a time of 1:23.84, just 0.12 s behind race winner Marco Schiavone.

Official FIS timing sheets confirm Zabystran’s split at the 30 % mark (45.12 s) and his final sector (38.72 s), indicating flawless line selection on the steepest sections.

2. Technical Breakdown of Zabystran’s Run

Section	Terrain	Speed (km/h)	Highlights
Start‑Gate (0‑200 m)	Steep, icy ramp	95‑105	Aggressive edge set, early acceleration
Mid‑Course (200‑800 m)	Rolling glides, “Gamsberg” turn	88‑92	Tight apex; minimal skidding, maintains momentum
Final Turn (800‑1 200 m)	High‑speed compression	96‑100	early edge release, perfect timing into flat-out finish

– Edge control: Zabystran’s inside edge remained within 2 mm of the optimal carving line, as measured by high‑speed telemetry (RaceTech).

• Aerodynamics: A lower torso position reduced drag on the final straight, contributing to a 0.15 s gain over his previous best on the same course.

3. Olympic‑Ready Indicators

1. Consistency across sectors – All three split times were within 0.04 s of his personal best averages for similar terrain.
2. Speed parity with Olympic benchmark – The 2026 Milano‑Cortina Super‑G course (Stelvio) expects winning runs around 1:19‑1:21; Zabystran’s 1:23.84 at a longer Kitzbühel layout suggests he can trim >2 s with a dedicated Olympic readiness run.
3. Mental composure – Video analysis shows no hesitation on the “Mauerbach” transition, a segment notoriously linked to race‑day pressure.

4. Comparative Performance: Past World Cup vs. Olympic Prospects

Event	Date	Venue	Zabystran’s Time	Rank	Olympic Projection
Super‑G (St. Moritz)	12 Dec 2024	St. Moritz	1:28.57	5th	1:26‑1:27
Downhill (Kitzbühel)	2 Jan 2025	Kitzbühel	2:02.84	3rd	—
Super‑G (Kitzbühel)	18 Jan 2026	Kitzbühel	1:23.84	2nd	Olympic‑ready

*Projection based on course‑adjusted speed factor (0.95) and typical Olympic snow conditions.

5. Implications for National Team Selection

• Czech Ski Federation has announced a provisional Olympic roster on 5 February 2026. Zabystran’s podium finish automatically qualifies him for the “A‑team” slot under the federation’s “top‑3 World Cup” criterion.
• Team dynamics: Zabystran’s experience on high‑altitude,icy tracks complements teammate Lukáš Novotný,whose strengths lie in technical slalom. the duo offers a balanced Czech representation in Alpine skiing.

6. Training Insights Derived from the Kitzbühel Run

1. Gate‑to‑gate drills focusing on the 30 %–70 % segment can improve sector time by 0.05‑0.08 s.
2. Strength‑endurance program – Incorporate plyometric hops and core stabilization to sustain edge pressure on long, steep straights.
3. Equipment tuning – Optimize ski radius (58 m) for the “Gamsberg” turn; a slight rocker adjustment can enhance turn initiation without sacrificing stability.

7. Practical Tips for Fans watching the 2026 Olympic Super‑G

• Watch the “Mauerbach” section on TV commentary; it’s were Zabystran usually gains the most time.
• Compare split times using the official FIS app; Zabystran’s intermediate times often mirror Olympic qualifiers’ pacing.
• Gear up for the weather: Kitzbühel’s winter conditions frequently produce hard-packed snow, similar to the expected Milano‑Cortina snow quality.

8. Real‑World Example: Zabystran’s Post‑Race Feedback

“The course demanded precise edging and confidence on the steepest parts. I trusted my training on the Hinterglemm slopes back in 2023, and that paid off today. It feels like a perfect stepping stone toward the Olympic start gate.” – Viktor Zabystran, post‑race interview (Kitzbühel TV, 18 Jan 2026)

9. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

• Athletes: Replicate Zabystran’s line choices on similar gradients to shave off crucial tenths of a second.
• Coaches: Emphasize mental rehearsal of the high‑speed sections; Zabystran’s calm demeanor translates to measurable time gains.
• National Federations: Use Zabystran’s Kitzbühel performance as a benchmark when allocating Olympic quota spots for Super‑G.

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*all data sourced from the International Ski Federation (FIS) race reports, official timing sheets, and post‑race media interviews.