Giovanni Franzoni Dominates Lauberhorn Super-G at Wengen World Cup
In an exciting event at the Lauberhorn super-G in Wengen, Switzerland, Giovanni Franzoni achieved a remarkable accomplishment by securing his first World Cup victory. On January 16, 2026, the 24-year-old Italian skied an impressive time of 1:45.19, leading from start to finish without relinquishing his position.
Franzoni’s Dominance at Lauberhorn Super-G
Franzoni began the race with bib number 1 and set a challenging standard that all competitors faced. Despite the presence of a strong field, particularly from Austria and Switzerland, he maintained his lead throughout the event. His victory marked a significant milestone, as it was his second career podium finish.
Top Finishers and Their Performances
- 1st: Giovanni Franzoni (Italy) – 1:45.19
- 2nd: Stefan Babinsky (Austria) – +0.35
- 3rd: Franjo von Allmen (Switzerland) – +0.37
- 4th: Marco Odermatt (Switzerland) – +0.53
- 5th: Raphael Haaser (Austria) – +0.68
- 6th: Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA) – +0.83
Austria’s Stefan Babinsky, at 29 years old, skied to second place, marking the first podium finish of his World Cup career. He expressed pride in his run and highlighted the significance of this achievement for his Olympic aspirations. Franjo von Allmen secured third place, emphasizing his consistent performance at the elite level.
Franzoni Reflects on His Victory
After his victory, Franzoni reflected on the significance of winning at Lauberhorn, a legendary site for alpine skiing. He mentioned the pressure he felt starting first but focused on enjoying the experience and skiing well. This victory was particularly meaningful for him as it came after recovering from a severe injury three years ago.
U.S. Team’s Solid Performance
Ryan Cochran-Siegle led the U.S. team with a sixth-place finish, marking his best super-G result of the season. This performance further solidified his standing for the U.S. Olympic team selection. Other notable finishes included Sam Morse in 15th and Kyle Negomir in 16th, both demonstrating strong runs amid challenging conditions.
Impact of Race Conditions
The Lauberhorn super-G showcased varying conditions, with early starters benefiting from better visibility compared to their later counterparts. This variability played a crucial role in the race dynamics, highlighting the skill required to navigate under different circumstances. Ultimately, Franzoni’s precision and control under such conditions underscored his well-deserved victory.
Franzoni’s triumph at the Lauberhorn super-G not only marks a personal achievement but also adds a thrilling chapter to the World Cup season, as he establishes himself as a formidable competitor on the alpine skiing circuit.
