“Sometimes it’s me, sometimes it’s him”
Odermatt had set the early pace, producing an aggressive but controlled run in bib six, despite a buckle coming undone on his boot.
The Swiss great, who had won the opening two Downhills of the season, kept his lines tight, only going slightly wide mid-course, but recovering brilliantly.
It looked like another victorious turn – but Von Allmen is one skier who can sometimes out-Odermatt the man himself, when it comes to pushing the limits but somehow staying within them – and recovering with extraordinary strength when he doesn’t.
Von Allmen was smooth and direct, finding speed everywhere. He landed on his heels after a huge jump but just stayed upright, and survived the technical Ciaslat section.
It was a ragged edged glory, +0.30 seconds faster than his compatriot. The many fans in attendance certainly appreciated it.
“They are a pretty cool crowd, there was really some energy in the finish area,” said Von Allmen. “its really cool, especially when they make a lot of noise for the other teammates, not just for me.”
“It’s really cool, I didn’t expect it at all,” he said of the victory. “It’s really cool to share the podium with Marco, and to change sometimes – sometimes it’s me, sometimes it’s him.”