Paris roars back: dominates kvitfjell for stunning season win
Dominik Paris has rewritten the script. The Italian ski racer secured a breathtaking victory in the final downhill race of the season at Kvitfjell, ending a long wait for his first win of the 2025/26 World Cup.
Paris claims dramatic downhill triumph in season finale
The 36-year-old blazed down the course in 1:45.37, leaving Franjo von Allmen (+0.19 seconds) and Vincent Kriechmayr (+0.60 seconds) in his wake. This victory marks a remarkable comeback for Paris, who hadn't stood on the top step of a downhill podium all season, his best result being a second place in Crans Montana earlier this month.
A familiar location for Paris, this is déjà vu for the veteran racer. He also celebrated his last downhill victory at Kvitfjell a year ago, a race that saw him also triumph in the Super-G just two days later. The Italian’s performance effectively seals his overall World Cup title, a feat made certain by his previous small crystal globe win in Courchevel last week.
While Marco Odermatt, who had already clinched the small crystal globe in downhill, finished seventh, his season-long dominance is now complete. The German contingent was notably absent from this final race, a gathering of the top 25 downhillers of the season.
Von Allmen’s second-place finish not only secured him second in the downhill standings but also solidified his position as a strong contender for the overall title, putting him in direct competition with Shiffrin.
The race wasn't without its drama. Odermatt, despite securing the small crystal globe, appeared to ease up, suggesting a focus on the overall World Cup standings. His final training time was even faster than that of his rival, Aleksander Aichberger, adding a layer of intrigue to the season’s conclusion.
Paris's victory is a testament to his enduring talent and competitive spirit. At 36, he continues to defy expectations, proving that experience and determination can still conquer the fastest slopes. The Italian’s performance underscores a shift in the World Cup landscape, reminding us that history is rarely written before the final turn.