Sarrazin Shines On Streif

Cyprien Sarrazin became the first Frenchman to win a downhill in Kitzbuehel since Luc Alphand in 1997. 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 second career World Cup race. Sarrazin continued his torrid pace in 2024 with a fourth consecutive podium finish.

It snowed overnight and into the morning causing a slight delay to the men’s downhill start. However the weather did a big 180 from snow in the morning to sun in the afternoon. The racers all commented that the track was very slick in some sections and grippy in others. This made for an interesting day of results on the famed downhill course. 

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,” Odermatte said. If you don’t show your best skiing in Kitzbuehel, then you can’t win here, but it’s alright I guess,” Odermatt said.

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. 

Ryan Cochran-Siegle posted his best race of the season, a fourth place result in the Kitzbühel downhill a mere hundredth from third place.

“My focus today was trying to make the best turns I could and crossing the finish line I had no idea what was going to happen so I am happy,” said Cochran-Siegle.

Cochran-Siegle’s confidence has been building race after race and it was clear he was skiing with grit and newfound confidence. Cochran-Siegle was in and out of the green all the way down. He punched it to the line just 0.01 behind Swiss skier Marco Odermatt. Cochran-Siegle ending the day in fourth place, ready to risk it all for the Hahnenkammrennen on Saturday.

“I gave it my best, of course it would be great to be on the podium but I am really enjoying skiing this track,” said Cochran-Siegle. “The track is so unique and historical it's cool to ski it and fight to ski fast plus the best part is I get to ski it again tomorrow and I am not changing a thing with the approach.”

Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Sam Morse also had a strong day of skiing landing in 19th place. Morse has had good sections throughout the run and felt good with his result.

“When you can kick out of the gate with confidence and execute your plan its great,” said Morse. “I am going to clean up a few more turns and be cleaner with the turns for tomorrow.”

Bryce Bennett also landed in the top 30 in 25th position. Jared Goldberg finished in 32nd place, Wiley Maple in 45th and Kyle Negomir in 54th place. The winner of the race was french skier Cyprien Sarrazin, second place was Italian Florian Schieder and third place was 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.