Frenchman Simon Billy is the new world speed ski champion, complete with world record.
On the Vars track in the French Alps, Billy reached 255.50 km/h, beating the 254.958 km/h achieved in 2016 by Ivan Origone on the same track.
The blue Simone Origone, Ivan's brother, finished in second place in the world championship by setting a personal best (254.050 km/h, he held a 252.987) which, however, was not enough to beat the Frenchman.
Third place went to the Austrian Manuel Kramer (252.840 km/h).
Among women, silver medal also for Valentina Greggio, with 241.880 km/h, preceded by the Swedish Britta Backlund with 244.930.
In third place was the French Clea Martinez with 234.780 km/h.
Greggio maintains the speed record of 247.083 also set in 2016 in Vars and still unbeaten today.
"I made a mistake. I make my own skis, today I messed up in preparing the tools - said Simone Origone -.
Usually I always carry two skis: one warmer and one colder and I went with that but this morning the conditions had changed and I should have used other material.
I'm sorry because it was since 2006, first me then my brother, that the record remained in Italy.
Today I should have set the record, that's all, and it's a big missed opportunity.
The track was very nice and I didn't think I went over 250km/h.
To set the record, everything must be perfect and today it wasn't for me.
There's still a cup to win but it's just a consolation prize."
