In Giovanni Franzoni’s victory on the Streif, underdog Maxence Muzaton also becomes a hero. The Frenchman sensationally pushes his way onto the podium with a late start number.
While ski star Giovanni Franzoni emotionally celebrated his spectacular success on the Streif, a teammate experienced a small drama. The reference is to the Italian Florian Schieder, who held third place behind Franzoni and Marco Odermatt until start number 28.
The podium spot seemed secure, but then Maxence Muzaton, with bib number 29, set out to deliver the run of his life. The 35-year-old Frenchman took his heart in his hands and was briefly ahead by more than half a second.
Maxence Muzaton causes a sensation in Kitzbühel
Muzaton surprises with an incredible run
“He’s chasing the best time with an unbelievable speed here. Franzoni is taking off his jacket,” exclaimed ARD commentator Bernd Schmelzer, raising his voice at the underdog’s magnificent performance.
“That’s no surprise, that’s a sensation. What is going on here?” he showed himself completely astonished.
When third place lit up at the finish line, Muzaton’s joy knew no bounds. “A Sarrazin-esque outburst,” commented Schmelzer on the loud cheer of the surprise third-place finisher, referring to his still injured teammate.
Muzaton was also celebrated in the French press for his daring ride.
“The French alpine team delivered a majestic performance on the mythical Kitzbühel downhill,” celebrated Ouest France . “A damn good and beautiful surprise,” wrote sports.fr .
Ski sensation: Muzaton reveals secret of success
Muzaton had already announced after the Wengen downhill that he had big plans for Kitzbühel.
“Before every race, I always give myself two or three keywords to mentally prepare, and for a race like Kitzbühel, I put myself in the mood of a warrior because you have to attack the piste,” said the French downhill skier.
For Muzaton, it was his first podium finish in a downhill race ever. Although the veteran has been racing in the World Cup for 13 years, he had only achieved one podium spot in the combined event until now.
As the French source franceinfo.fr writes, Muzaton could also make it to the Winter Olympics thanks to this result.