BORMIO, Italy – – Switzerland secured the gold medal in the men’s Alpine Skiing Team Combined event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, while Italy finished just off the podium, with its teams placing fifth and seventh. The competition, held in Bormio, saw a strong performance from the Swiss duo of Franjo von Allmen and Marco Odermatt, ultimately proving decisive.
The Italian team saw mixed results. Giovanni Franzoni delivered a strong downhill run, initially placing Italy in a favorable position. However, Alex Vinatzer was unable to maintain the momentum in the slalom leg, finishing +1.22 seconds behind the leaders, resulting in a seventh-place finish for the pairing. The team of Dominik Paris and Simon Talibieri Sala fared slightly better, securing fifth place with a combined time +1.12 seconds off the gold medal pace. Another Italian team, comprised of Florian Casse and Tobias Sala, finished in 14th position (+2.13).
The Swiss victory came courtesy of Von Allmen’s impressive downhill performance, followed by a solid slalom run from Marco Odermatt. Austria claimed the silver medal with the team of Matthias Mayer and Manuel Feller, while a second Austrian team, featuring Vincent Kriechmayr and Marco Odermatt, took the bronze. The close margins highlight the demanding nature of the combined event, requiring proficiency in both speed and technical disciplines.
The men’s team combined event tests a nation’s depth in Alpine skiing, requiring athletes to excel in both the downhill and slalom disciplines. The downhill portion emphasizes speed and courage, while the slalom demands precision and technical skill. A strong performance in both segments is crucial for success, and the Italian teams’ results demonstrate the challenges of consistently achieving that balance.
Von Allmen’s gold medal marks the first of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, setting an early tone for Switzerland’s campaign. The Swiss have historically been a dominant force in Alpine skiing, and this victory reinforces their status as a leading contender in the sport. The result will likely fuel further expectations for the Swiss team as the Games progress.
For Italy, the results represent a near miss. Hosting the Games brings added pressure and expectation, and while a fifth and seventh-place finish are respectable, they fall short of the podium aspirations. The Italian team will undoubtedly analyze their performance, seeking to identify areas for improvement as they compete in the remaining Alpine skiing events.
The competition unfolded under clear skies and favorable conditions in Bormio, a renowned Alpine resort in the Lombardy region of Italy. The course presented a challenging test for the skiers, with a demanding downhill section followed by a technical slalom run. The event drew a significant crowd of spectators, eager to witness the world’s best Alpine skiers compete on home soil.
Beyond the medal standings, the event provided a showcase for emerging talent and established stars alike. The combined format allows for a broader range of skiers to participate, offering opportunities for athletes who may not typically excel in either downhill or slalom to contribute to their nation’s success. The event also underscores the importance of team dynamics and the ability of skiers to complement each other’s strengths.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are already proving to be a compelling spectacle, with early events generating excitement and anticipation. As the Games continue, attention will turn to other key disciplines, including figure skating, ice hockey, and biathlon. The success of the Games will be measured not only by the medal counts but also by the overall experience for athletes, spectators, and the host nation.
The Italian performance in the men’s combined event, while not yielding a medal, highlights the competitive landscape of Alpine skiing at the highest level. The Swiss victory serves as a reminder of their enduring strength in the sport, while the close margins demonstrate the importance of precision and consistency. As the Games unfold, the battle for supremacy in Alpine skiing promises to be one of the most captivating storylines of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
