Details

The mark already left by the still only 25-year-old Giovanni Franzoni in Kitzbühel is truly remarkable. The wild-haired skier from Manerba del Garda in Lombardy has started only four times on the Hahnenkamm in downhill and super-G races, yet with his triumph on the Streif on January 24, 2026, he secured a permanent place in the hearts of many fans. Not only in Italy, but also in Kitzbühel, where a gondola of the Hahnenkamm cable car was dedicated to him on Saturday.
Even on his way to the valley station, it was clear how vividly people still remembered that fantastic run and the emotional joy he showed afterward. Unlike on the racecourse, Giovanni Franzoni could only move forward at a snail’s pace. A photo request here, a selfie with the star there, and autograph hunting is evidently still very much alive.
Michael Huber, Chairman of the Hahnenkamm Race Organizing Committee, once again tipped his imaginary hat when the speed specialist finally arrived on stage: “Unbelievable. The 1:52.31 was the second-fastest time ever recorded on the Streif.”
Giovanni Franzoni is just the fourth Italian downhill winner in Kitzbühel history. Before him, only Dominik Paris, Peter Fill, and Kristian Ghedina had achieved that feat.
Viktoria Veider-Walser, Managing Director of Kitzbühel Tourism, was equally delighted for the popular athlete: “There are so many exceptional champions, world champions, and Olympic medalists who never managed to win on the Streif, and you accomplished it at just 24 years of age. Congratulations on this achievement. Anyone who wins here remains a legend forever.”
Franzoni celebrated his 25th birthday only after his downhill victory.
Kitzbühel Mayor Klaus Winkler also took the opportunity to congratulate the athlete once again: “That was an epic victory, and I don't know a single person in Kitzbühel who isn't a fan of Giovanni Franzoni.”
Mario Mittermayr-Weinhandl highlighted the downhill hero’s mental strength: “What impressed me most about your victory was your mental toughness. At your age, after setting the fastest time in both training runs, and only your second time racing in Kitzbühel—that’s truly extraordinary,” said the Hahnenkamm Race Director.
Anton Bodner, CEO of Bergbahn Kitzbühel, also recalled his personal Franzoni moment from January:“The way you celebrated with your friends at the Race Night was so touching and refreshing—it’s something I’ll always remember.”
Giovanni Franzoni has once again celebrated with friends in Kitzbühel. He brought a large group from his hometown, including his twin brother Alessandro and his girlfriend Camilla. He was visibly moved by the celebrations, the speeches, and, of course, his own gondola: “Today is a very special day, and it brings back all the emotions and memories from the winter. It was an incredible winter. I am very proud to be here today. Thank you for all the kind words that have been said about me, and thank you to my fans who joined me here today.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the organizers: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone here in Kitzbühel. What you put together for us year after year is incredible. This race is and always will be something special for all of us.”
With that, he moved on to fulfill yet another photo request from his fans.