“I feel at home in Crans-Montana”

n the finish area, Franjo von Allmen treated the Crans-Montana crowd to a ski throw as elegant as Didier Cuche’s. The gesture was both friendly and symbolic. Fourteen years after the Neuchâtel skier’s super-G victory on the Nationale, the Bernese racer echoed his illustrious predecessor in Sunday’s downhill, confirming his success from last winter under Valais sunshine. “You could say I feel at home here. It’s cool, I managed to back it up after last year’s performance,” laughed the world champion, cheered on by numerous fans proudly waving Swiss flags.

Just like twelve months ago, the “wild dog” once again lit up the Nationale with his class. Untouchable and carried by an entire nation, Franjo von Allmen delivered a masterclass on a slope he particularly enjoys. “I like this kind of layout where you have to glide, keep speed and build it,” said the skier from Boltigen, who won comfortably ahead of Italy’s Dominik Paris and American Ryan Cochran-Siegle. All the more so as he had real rockets on his feet. “On slopes like this, when they’re very gliding, if the feeling is good it can either be very slow or very fast. Today, I was on the right side,” he smiled.

Praise from Marco Odermatt

A performance that “impressed” his compatriot Marco Odermatt. “We know that if Franjo doesn’t make a mistake on this slope, it’s very hard to beat him, almost impossible,” said the Nidwalden skier, who finished just off the podium. “The Nationale is a beautiful slope, enjoyable to ski, but not very difficult. You know you have to be perfect from top to bottom, keep a high speed from the first to the last turn. And in that situation, Franjo is extremely strong.”

As if by design, Crans-Montana crowned Malorie Blanc and Franjo von Allmen this weekend, its two ambassadors for the upcoming FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. “You always enjoy coming back to places where you ski well. It builds confidence and also a lot of motivation for next year,” smiled the Bernese racer, who already has 2027 in the back of his mind.

Confidence and energy heading into the Games

But for now, the focus turns to the Olympic Games. The downhill is already scheduled for next Saturday in Bormio on the Stelvio, another legendary slope on the circuit, where he also shone last winter with a second-place finish behind his compatriot Alexis Monney. “It’s optimal preparation. Confidence obviously grows with a victory.”

After a very busy January, it will now be important to recover properly before heading to Italy, even if Sunday’s race naturally boosted Franjo von Allmen. “Skiing at home is always special. Days like today give you a lot of energy, and that’s something I’ll take with me for what’s to come.” Along with the motivation to perhaps wear gold around his neck, after once again throwing his ski.

Photo: 360DSM