Kitzbühel
World Cup 26

The World Cup arrives at the most legendary course in alpine skiing — Kitzbühel.

Since 1937, this Austrian classic has been the ultimate test of courage, skill, and nerve. At 3.3 kilometers with an 85% gradient at its steepest section — the most extreme in World Cup racing — this is the course that separates champions from pretenders. Athletes accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in less than 3 seconds out of the start gate, reaching speeds up to 150 km/h before the finish. For many racers, a victory here equals an Olympic gold.

From the explosive start to the terrifying first jump where athletes fly up to 80 meters, through the technically brutal steep sections with 3.1g forces, to the final jump that has ended countless dreams — every section demands absolute perfection. Legends like Franz Klammer, Didier Cuche, and Marco Odermatt have conquered this mountain. 300 million viewers tune in worldwide. This is the pinnacle of alpine racing.

This week, Ski Challenge brings Kitzbühel to life with a special double header:

Super-G Weekend (January 22-23)

• One-Try Race – one run, full commitment, no second chances.
• Unlimited Event – hunt the perfect line and push for your fastest time.

Downhill Weekend (January 24-25)

• One-Try Race – one run, full commitment, no second chances.
• Unlimited Event – hunt the perfect line and push for your fastest time.

Kitzbühel rewards precision, aggression, and ice-cold nerves. If you hesitate at the first jump, the mountain punishes you. If you lose focus in the steep sections, the race is over. Two weekends. Two chances to prove yourself on the course that defines careers.

Training begins midweek, with race action on Friday through Sunday.

Kitzbühel is calling.

Do you dare to conquer the mountain?

Redemption on the mountain — Hermaaaaan sweeps the Downhill weekend!

After his Super-G disaster with two missed gates, Hermaaaaan answered in the most emphatic way possible — winning BOTH the One Try race and TimeAttack on the legendary Kitzbühel Downhill. The Austrian delivered a masterclass on home soil, proving why he remains the man to beat in World Cup 26.

Race (One Try)

1. 🥇 Hermaaaaan — 01:44:063
2. 🥈 JohnJulian — 01:44:259
3. 🥉 Pepikum20 — 01:44:560

Hermaaaaan storms back with a dominant One Try victory — 196 milliseconds ahead of JohnJulian.

That’s how champions respond to adversity.

Time Attack (Unlimited Tries)

1. 🥇 Hermaaaaan — 01:43:256
2. 🥈 Pepikum20 — 01:43:461
3. 🥉 Adipan — 01:43:655

Hermaaaaan completes the sweep — 205 milliseconds ahead of Pepikum20 in TimeAttack.

Adipan breaks onto the podium with a strong performance.

World Cup Overall Standings after this race

1. 🥇 JohnJulian — 686 pts 👑
2. 🥈 Hermaaaaan — 685 pts
3. 🥉 Pepikum20 — 680 pts

The closest title race in World Cup 26 history! JohnJulian leads by just ONE POINT over Hermaaaaan. Pepikum20 is only 6 points back. Three racers, six points — everything to play for.

Drama on the mountain — JohnJulian continues his incredible run!

The first half of the Kitzbühel double header delivered everything we expected from the most legendary course in alpine skiing. JohnJulian claimed his second consecutive One Try victory, while Hermaaaaan’s race was ruined by two missed gates — dropping him to 25th place. But the Austrian showed his champion mentality by bouncing back to win TimeAttack in the closest finish of the season.

Race (One Try)

1. 🥇 JohnJulian — 01:08:761
2. 🥈 Pepikum20 — 01:08:852
3. 🥉 Wammerl — 01:08:890

JohnJulian delivers his second consecutive One Try win — 91 milliseconds ahead of Pepikum20.

Wammerl finally breaks through with his first podium of the season.

Time Attack (Unlimited Tries)

1. 🥇 Hermaaaaan — 01:07:903
2. 🥈 Pepikum20 — 01:07:948
3. 🥉 JohnJulian — 01:08:264

Hermaaaaan wins the closest TimeAttack of the season — just 45 milliseconds ahead of Pepikum20.

The Austrian bounces back from his One Try disaster with a statement victory.

1,724 racers competed