Honour for the champion: Marco Odermatt’s very own gondola
For the first time in some 20 years, Marco Odermatt returned to Kitzbühel for a summer visit. Why, might you ask? The inauguration ceremony of his very own gondola on the Hahnenkamm cable car – in honour of his Super-G triumph back in January. The Swiss ski sensation was both grateful and touched by the occasion.
True champions shine not only under the spotlight, but also in the soft glow of everyday encounters. Odermatt is the epitome of this character quality — there wasn’t an autograph he wouldn’t sign or a selfie he wouldn’t smile for, handling each request with the calm ease of a man at the top of his game. Around 200 invited guests gathered for the inauguration ceremony at Kitzbühel’s Hahnenkammbahn cable car, with perhaps as many again just happening to stumble upon the event by chance to join these celebrations with the four-time overall World Cup winner, Olympic champion, and reigning World Champion.
Michael Huber, President of Kitzbühel Ski Club, summed it up perfectly: “Marco Odermatt is not only the world’s best skier right now, he is also hugely popular. That’s a rare and remarkable combination.” The gondola honour was bestowed on the Swiss athlete thanks to his Super-G-victory in January – his maiden win on the Streif, a racecourse that has always suited him well. He has competed here 12 times since 2019, finishing in the top ten on no less than 8 occasions. In the Downhill discipline, he’s twice stood on the second step of the podium and once on the third. When Huber tried to coax a personal wish from the 27-year-old, Odermatt politely declined and instead showered the Hahnenkamm race organisers with praise: “On behalf of all the athletes, I can say this: Kitzbühel is and will always be the pinnacle of our season. It’s undeniably the biggest race in our sport. Much of its legendary status is down to you — and gestures like today’s gondola ceremony only add to that. Thank you for giving us this incredible stage, year after year.”
Not only his fans, but also the official Kitzbühel authorities were clearly smitten by Marco Odermatt: “What sets you apart, Marco, beyond your sporting success, is your character — your sheer decency. People like you make skiing something truly special.” Cable car chief Anton Bodner expanded the tribute to include Odermatt’s teammates — Justin Murisier, Thomas Tumler, Stefan Rogentin, Marco Kohler, and the retired yet ever-respected Beat Feuz — all of whom made the journey to Kitzbühel: “You are role models. You are heroes. You are guiding stars for the next generation, and that matters deeply. Thank you.” Chief of Race, Mario Mittermayer-Weinhandl, had a particularly charming observation about Team Switzerland: “When I see you lot inspecting the Streif just before a race, giggling and joking like schoolboys — I think to myself, this is what you normally only see at kids’ races. It’s utterly delightful. Marco, please never lose that spirit. And here’s hoping you take the Downhill crown one day!”
Marco Odermatt hopes so too: “Of course, that Downhill win is still on my list. It’s a big goal for the years ahead. But the Super-G victory and now this gondola — they’ve already given me so much confidence for the future.” He hasn’t stood on Mount Hahnenkamm in summer since he was a child – probably around 20 years ago, he reckons. An old photo of the Streif serves as a reminder. “But you still feel the magic of this race, even in summer,” he mused. “I’m so proud to now be part of the legendary list of winners.”
And legends abound. Clément Noël and James Crawford, victors of January’s Slalom and Downhill races respectively, share more than podiums with Odermatt — all three were born in 1997. Noël and Crawford even share a birthday: 3rd May. The Frenchman already has his gondola, and the Canadian is due to receive his at the end of July. And for those who are already looking forward to winter despite the current 30-degree heat, tickets for the 86th Hahnenkamm races will be available in the online shop from July.
Photo © K.S.C./alpinguin
