Switzerland’s skiing sensation Marco Odermatt continued his dominant form, winning a World Cup giant slalom event in Alta Badia, Italy to eclipse Pirmin Zurbriggen as his country’s most successful male skier. The three-time defending overall champion navigated a tricky first run before unleashing his aggressive best in the second to notch his 41st career World Cup victory.
Odermatt, who also triumphed in Saturday’s downhill at Val Gardena, put his early season giant slalom struggles behind him in emphatic fashion on the technical Gran Risa course. The Olympic champion finished 0.85 seconds ahead of France’s Léo Anguenot, who clinched his maiden World Cup podium. Norway’s Alexander Steen Olsen rounded out the podium in third, just 0.03 seconds behind Anguenot.
Conquering the Gran Risa
Odermatt’s mastery of the challenging Gran Risa slope was on full display as he secured his fifth giant slalom win in the last six races at the venue. The 25-year-old Swiss star thrives in tough conditions, as evidenced by his post-race comments:
I know that I’m strong in this condition, when it’s tough, when it’s a fight, when you have to ski smart.
Marco Odermatt
The course, already one of the most demanding on the circuit, was made even more treacherous by flat light and a rutted surface. Several skiers, including Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen, criticized the conditions, with the latter suggesting the race should have been postponed.
Odermatt’s Historic Season
After a comparatively slow start to his giant slalom campaign, Odermatt has regained the form that saw him win nine out of ten races in the discipline last season. His Val d’Isère victory last weekend, followed by his Gran Risa triumph, has propelled him to the top of the giant slalom standings, one point ahead of Kristoffersen.
Odermatt also extended his lead in the overall World Cup rankings to 121 points over his Norwegian rival. The Swiss phenom is seeking a third consecutive overall title, having dominated the series in recent years.
Surpassing Swiss Legends
By overtaking Pirmin Zurbriggen on the all-time list of Swiss male skiers, Odermatt has ensured his place in the annals of his country’s rich skiing history. He now trails only Vreni Schneider, who amassed 55 World Cup wins, for the overall Swiss record.
To be here the best Swiss alpine skier ever … Pirmin Zurbriggen is the biggest legend we have in Swiss skiing history, so this is a very special moment.
Marco Odermatt
As the men’s circuit moves on to a slalom in Alta Badia and speed events in Bormio, all eyes will be on Odermatt as he looks to extend his impressive winning streak and further cement his legacy as one of Switzerland’s greatest ever athletes.
Key Takeaways
- Marco Odermatt wins giant slalom in Alta Badia
- Odermatt becomes Switzerland’s most successful male skier
- Challenging conditions on the Gran Risa course
- Odermatt leads giant slalom and overall World Cup standings
- Swiss star trails only Vreni Schneider for most Swiss wins
