Meanwhile, Marco Odermatt’s (SUI/Stöckli) wait for victory in the Hahnenkamm continues. A day after powering to victory in the Super G, the man who has won just about everything else in Alpine skiing made a couple of small but critical mistakes in the Steilhang – the most technically demanding section down the Streif. That left the Wengen and Val Gardena winner 0.55 seconds behind Crawford, down in sixth position.
And after a difficult season so far, it was a case of so near yet so far for the hometown challenge. Roared on by the 50,000-plus crowd, Daniel Hemetsberger (AUT/Fischer) looked to have grabbed his first podium in three years, and Austria’s first in the Downhill all season. But Crawford’s brilliance dropped the Fischer skier into fourth, leaving a host of Austria’s most famous ski fans – led by Arnold Schwarzenegger – shaking their heads.
Crawford finally converts
Arnie though will no doubt be back, after an extraordinary day of high-speed racing. But despite a host of the world’s finest putting in compelling performances, it was Crawford, the reigning Super G world champion but never a World Cup winner in any discipline, who takes the headlines.
“It’s been a dream of mine to win the classics,” said Crawford, who arrived in Kitzbühel with three podiums but no victories in his 52 previous World Cup Downhill starts.
It was a historic day in Kitzbühel as Canadian skier Jack Crawford claimed his first World Cup victory in the men’s downhill event, stunning the competition and delighting fans around the world.
Crawford’s win was particularly special as he became the first Canadian to win the prestigious downhill race in Kitzbühel in over 30 years. The 24-year-old put on a flawless performance on the notorious Streif course, navigating the treacherous terrain with precision and speed.
The victory was even more remarkable as it came amidst a strong showing from the Swiss team, who had dominated the event in recent years. Despite the stiff competition, Crawford held his nerve and crossed the finish line in a time of 1:55.58, securing the top spot on the podium.
For Crawford, the win was a dream come true and a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. Speaking after the race, he expressed his gratitude and joy at finally breaking through and claiming his first World Cup victory.
“It’s an incredible feeling to have it happen in Kitzbühel,” Crawford said. “This is a race that every skier dreams of winning, and to do it in front of such an amazing crowd is truly special.”
While Crawford’s victory was the highlight of the day, it was not without its share of drama as several Canadian skiers crashed out of the race. Despite the setbacks, Crawford’s win was a shining moment for Canadian skiing and a reminder of the talent and determination of the country’s athletes.
As the celebrations continued in Kitzbühel, Crawford’s win was a reminder of the thrill of victory and the unpredictable nature of downhill skiing. With the World Championships on the horizon, Crawford’s triumph has set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Tags:
Kitzbühel, Crawford, maiden win, Canadians, Swiss Downhill party, ski racing, alpine skiing, World Cup, victory, triumph, competition, sports, snow sports, athlete, podium, mountain resort, downhill race.
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