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Martin Cater steals the show in Val d'Isère with bib 41

Dec 13, 2020·Alpine Skiing
VAL D'ISERE, FRANCE - DECEMBER 13: Martin Cater of Slovenia celebrates during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Downhill on December 13, 2020 in Val d Isere France. (Photo by Francis Bompard/Agence Zoom)

What a Downhill race in Val d'Isère. The 61 athletes at the start delivered a great show and kept us on the edge of our seats until the very end.

When you thought the race was over, here comes Martin Cater (SLO) with bib 41 and scores the fastest time of the day. The Slovenian had an incredibly smooth run and managed to ski fast in every section, surprising everyone (including himself) at the finish line. Cater could celebrate his first World Cup victory (and podium) in great style.

Otmar Striedinger (AUT) had his party ruined and eventually settled for second place. The Austrian speed skier was starting to get a taste of his first World Cup victory, when Cater rushed through the finish line to take the lead. Striedinger was anyway satisfied with his result, as he managed to return on the podium after almost 20 months.

Un post condiviso da Audi FIS Ski World Cup (@fisalpine)

Third place went to Urs Kryenbuehl (SUI), who was not able to match his best career result achieved in Bormio last year. The Swiss man finished third, 0.27s behind Cater. It's the second World Cup podium for Kryenbuehl. He is learning well from his teammate Beat Feuz, who "only" finished sixth today.

The performance of Valentin Giraud Moine surely deserves a special mention, as the French finished 14th after a solid run with bib 39.

The tour now heads to Val Gardena/Gröden for some speed races, as Alexis Pinturault keeps leading the Overall World Cup.