Top results in Bormio training: Schieder & Co. as favorites?

The two training runs on Wednesday and Thursday went exceptionally well for the Italian speed team. Will Florian Schieder, Dominik Paris & Co. be among the top favorites for Olympic medals in Saturday's downhill race?

February 05, 2026

From: cst

Dominik Paris knows the Stelvio as well as almost no other skier. The Ultental native has won the downhill in Bormio six times. Years ago, Paris declared that Bormio – along with Kitzbühel – was his favorite course. The fact that the Olympic downhill is now being held on the Stelvio is a stroke of luck for Paris. At 36, these could be the last Olympic Games for the downhill star from St. Walburg.

Im training on Thursday Although Paris wasn't at the very front, that doesn't mean much. Before Saturday's race (11:30 a.m.), it's crucial to manage energy carefully. Bormio, along with Wengen, is considered one of the most physically demanding downhill courses in the ski circuit for good reason.

Fast in Bormio too: Italy's rising star Giovanni Franzoni. © APA / EXPA/ JOHANN GRODER

After the snowfall at the beginning of the week, the Stelvio slope was still quite soft on Wednesday, but it has already hardened considerably. It will be in top condition by race day. "It's getting better every day. Today the slope was already much harder than yesterday," said Mattia Casse after Thursday's training run, which he finished fastest. "I hope it will be even icier by Saturday." Florian Schieder is also enjoying the conditions in Bormio. The skier from Kastelruth, who finished second on Thursday, says: "The ideal line is getting cleaner and better every day." And rising star Giovanni Franzoni adds: "More ice, more rough sections, more speed."

Are the Azzurri among the top favorites?

After the strong results in the training runs, Italian winter sports fans are inevitably asking themselves: Are the Azzurri among the top favorites for Olympic medals? It's a difficult question to answer. Athletes rarely give 100 percent in training runs. "I tried not to push too hard. To protect my legs, I paced myself in some sections," said Franzoni. The youngster finished second on Wednesday and third on Thursday.

Florian Schieder believes the Stelvio Pass could suit him and his teammates. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

South Tyrolean Schieder says: “Many athletes can do really well here, including us. I know I’m fast. It will be an exciting, open race.” So, the belief in Olympic medals is there. Naturally, Paris shares this belief, having already said on Wednesday: "It's always nice to be here."

Keywords Winter sports Alpine skiing Bormio Olympics 2026