A Swiss man caused a sensation in Beaver Creek. © APA / SEAN M. HAFFEY

A surprise man tames the bird of prey best

There was a real surprise in the first speed race of the new ski season. A Swiss man came out on top - and his name is not Marco Odermatt.

06 December 2024

From: dl

Justin Murisier won the Beaver Creek downhill on Friday. The 32-year-old tamed the Birds of Prey best and won by two tenths of a second ahead of Odermatt. His teammate also had a good run, but "Odi" made a mistake in the final section and had to settle for second place. Another surprise came in third, Miha Hrobat.

Murisier is actually a giant slalom specialist and has only been on the podium once so far - in 2020 in Alta Badia. In the downhill, fourth place was his best result so far. "It's difficult to control the emotions," explained a surprised Murisier, who has repeatedly struggled with knee problems. In addition, the Swiss had dislocated his shoulder in the first training session in Beaver Creek.

Justin Murisier raced to his first World Cup victory. © APA / GABRIELE FACCIOTTI/AGENCE ZOOM

Murisier's story is definitely a special one: In the 186th World Cup race, he is at the top for the first time. His career has been marked by many injuries: Murisier has had five knee operations in total - three of which were on his cruciate ligament. "It's a dream to be sharing the podium with Marco. He has always supported me and is a real friend," said the veteran, who had to hold back a few tears in the interview.

South Tyroleans clearly defeated

The South Tyrolean top athletes Dominik Paris and Florian Schieder had a bad day. Both showed a faulty ride from top to bottom and never really got going. In the end, Paris and Schieder finished 19th and 23rd. The Italian Mattia Casse even lost more than two seconds. But it is particularly bitter the injury of Guglielmo Bosca, who was seriously injured in training.

Dominik Paris was disappointed. © APA / SEAN M. HAFFEY

Christof Innerhofer even lost more than three seconds and finished outside the top 40. The World Cup in Beaver Creek continues on Saturday (18.30:XNUMX p.m.) with a Super-G. On Sunday, a giant slalom is scheduled to conclude the program in Colorado.