Grandi emozioni on the Hahnenkamm
Throughout the long history of the Hahnenkamm Races, Giovanni Franzoni is only the fourth Italian to win the Downhill. On Saturday, he was presented with his very own Hahnenkamm gondola in recognition of his glorious run in January.
It is impressive how much of a mark the 25-year-old Giovanni Franzoni has already made in Kitzbühel. The curly-haired skier from Manerba del Garda in Lombardy has competed just four times on the Hahnenkamm in the Downhill and Super-G, yet his triumph on the Streif on 24 January 2026 secured him a special place in the hearts of countless fans, not only in Italy but also in Kitzbühel, where a gondola on the Hahnenkamm cable car was dedicated to him on Saturday. Even on his way to the valley station, it was clear just how vividly people still remembered that extraordinary run and the sheer emotion of his victory. Unlike on the racecourse, Giovanni Franzoni made progress at little more than a snail’s pace. There were requests for a photograph here, a selfie with the star there, and autograph hunters proved that some traditions never go out of fashion.
Michael Huber, Chairman of the Hahnenkamm Races Organising Committee, once again tipped his imaginary hat as the speed specialist finally took to the stage. “Incredible. His time of 1:52.31 was the second-fastest ever recorded on the Streif.” Franzoni also became only the fourth Italian to win the Downhill in Kitzbühel, following in the footsteps of Dominik Paris, Peter Fill and Kristian Ghedina.
Viktoria Veider-Walser, Managing Director of Kitzbühel Tourism, was equally delighted for the popular athlete. “There are so many exceptional skiers, world champions and Olympic champions who never managed to win on the Streif – and you achieved it at just 24 years of age. Congratulations on an incredible performance. Anyone who wins here becomes a legend forever. Giovanni Franzoni celebrated his 25th birthday only after his Downhill victory.”
Kitzbühel’s Mayor, Klaus Winkler, also took the opportunity to congratulate him once again. “That was an epic victory, and I don’t know anyone in Kitzbühel who isn’t a fan of Giovanni Franzoni already.” Mario Mittermayr-Weinhandl highlighted the downhill hero’s mental fortitude: “What impressed me most about your victory was your mental resilience. At your age, after setting the fastest time in both training runs and only on your second visit to Kitzbühel – that’s something truly special,” said the Hahnenkamm Chief of Race. The CEO of Bergbahn Kitzbühel also had his ‘Franzoni moment’ back in January: “The way you celebrated with your friends at Race Night was so genuine and heart-warming. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
And celebrating with friends was exactly what Giovanni Franzoni intended to do once again in Kitzbühel. He had brought a large delegation from home, including his twin brother Alessandro and his girlfriend Camilla. The festivities, the speeches, and, of course, the dedication of his very own gondola clearly moved him. “Today is a very special day. It brings back all the emotions and memories of last winter. It was an incredible season. I’m very proud to be here today. Thank you for all the kind words that have been said about me and thank you to the fans who came to support me.” He also reserved special praise for the Organisers. “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone here in Kitzbühel. What you create for us year after year is extraordinary. This race is, and always will be, something very special for all of us.” And with that, he was off once again – answering yet another request for a photograph from one of his many admirers.
Photo © K.S.C./alpinguin
