Giovanni Franzoni has won his first race. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Jubilation at the scene of fate: Franzoni's emotional victory

On Friday, a new skier etched his name into the World Cup winners' list: Giovanni Franzoni won his first race. This triumph has a touch of destiny about it.

16 January 2026

From: det

It's official, at the very latest since this Friday: Italy has a new ski star! Giovanni Franzoni astonished everyone in Wengen and He secured his first World Cup victory in the Super-G. "This is absolutely unbelievable," the 24-year-old can't believe it.

That the skier from Manerba del Garda – a small village on Lake Garda – is in excellent form was already evident in Val Gardena, where he finished third in the Super-G, securing his first World Cup podium finish. Now, his first victory has followed. That it happened in Wengen of all places is a twist of fate.

Bad fall and serious injury

Franzoni experienced a very dark moment in his career at the foot of the Lauberhorn. In January 2023, the three-time junior world champion suffered a nasty crash at the Canadian Corner, sustaining a serious thigh injury that ended his season prematurely. Giovanni also failed to find his form the following winter.

Franzoni put on a heroic performance. © ANSA / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

When he caused a minor sensation in December 2024 by finishing fourth in the Super-G in Beaver Creek – almost two years after his injury – Franzoni declared: “For two years I have been working like a madman, so now I want to say to everyone who is going through a difficult time: 'Work hard and believe in yourselves!'”

As if fate had a hand in it.

After his victory in Wengen, Franzoni recalled his crash at the Lauberhorn. "After my crash in Wengen, one thing changed: I try to enjoy every race," said the rising star. And he added: "Today I made the difference exactly where I crashed and injured myself three years ago. It's as if fate had a hand in it."

Franzoni (center) on the winner's podium with Stefan Babinsky (left) and Franjo Von Allmen. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Wengen holds special significance for Franzoni for another reason. "Not only did I suffer a serious injury here, but I also scored my first World Cup points in the Super-G," says the skier from Lake Garda. That was in January 2022. What are his chances for the big Lauberhorn downhill race on Saturday? "I don't know, but I'm going to enjoy this legendary race to the fullest."