Lukas Feurstein celebrated his first victory. © APA / SEAN M. HAFFEY

This 23-year-old saves Austria from a skiing embarrassment

The World Cup speed season ended on Sunday. In the concluding Super-G, a young Austrian redeemed his entire nation.

March 23, 2025

From: det

Skiing is a national sport in Austria; it's not for nothing that the Alpine countries are called the largest skiing nation. But this season, a disgrace loomed. So far, there hasn't been a single World Cup victory in the men's category. Austria has been winless in 40 races across the season. But now a 23-year-old youngster has pulled the Alpine countries out of the fire.

Lukas Feurstein skied to his first World Cup triumph in the Super-G at Sun Valley (USA), bringing salvation to an entire skiing nation. The last time Austria failed to win a men's race in a single winter was 38 years ago; the Austrians were spared that embarrassment this year. For Feurstein, it was the second podium finish of his career: At the beginning of December 2024, he sensationally raced to third place in the Super-G at Beaver Creek.

Raphael Haaser celebrated second place. © APA / SEAN M. HAFFEY

Austria had two reasons to celebrate on Sunday, as Raphael Haaser joined Feurstein on the podium. The giant slalom world champion finished second, 0,19 seconds behind – despite the fact that Haaser had a serious crash just a few days ago and had injured himself. among other things, had knocked out a tooth. Third place went to downhill world champion Franjo von Allmen, while Super-G crystal globe winner Marco Odermatt had to settle for fifth place this time.

Paris ends season with a loss

Meanwhile, Dominik Paris's season ended with a DNF. The Ulten superstar, who had really hit his stride at the end of the World Cup winter, had to abandon his run after a skiing error. "It's a shame, because a good result would have been important for the starting list for next year," Paris said angrily. Christof Innerhofer, the other South Tyrolean in the group, finished the race in 18th place.

The World Cup season isn't over yet. Next week, the final races for the technical riders are scheduled.


Sun Valley, Men's Super-G