Dominik Paris claims downhill glory on home snow in Val Gardena for first World Cup win in almost two years

Experienced Italian skier Dominik Paris secured a first World Cup victory in nearly two years as he took the win in Val Gardena.

The 34-year-old had not finished on the top spot at the World Cup since the 2021/22 season, but got the better of Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who had to settle for second.

That was the same result for Kilde as two days ago in the first downhill in Val Gardena, with his conqueror that day, American Bryce Bennett, maintaining his strong form by finishing third.

Paris was in contention from the off and moved into top spot at the fourth time check on his way to victory by 0.44 seconds from Kilde.

Bennett, who took the win despite starting very late on Thursday, set off 18th this time around, and did enough for third, edging out Cyprien Sarrazin of France by 0.05 seconds.

Speaking after the race, Paris said: “It means a lot; I have previously been in trouble on this course and not been able to find a good rhythm, but today I tried to ski as smoothly as possible.

“I wanted to keep pushing and it was a really good run for me and it was a great feeling skiing down this hill today; I didn’t expect it.”

He was the only skier to finish with a time of under two minutes, as he claimed his first World Cup victory since March 2022. It was a crucial win for the Italian, who moved to within 36 points of the Kilde and Bennett, who currently have the joint lead in the men’s downhill World Cup standings.

They currently have 160 points apiece, while Marco Odermatt increased his advantage over Marco Schwarz in the overall by finishing joint seventh, with his Austrian rival three hundredths back in ninth.