Marco Odermatt drove into the spotlight. © APA / GEORG HOCHMUTH

Marco Odermatt's crazy déjà vu in Schladming

Schladming. That stands for pure skiing spectacle. It was no different on Tuesday. In the night giant slalom on the Planai, the skiing stars outdid themselves in difficult conditions. Marco Odermatt in particular caused a sensation - even though he didn't win.

28 January 2025

From: det

A year ago, Marco Odermatt achieved one of his most bizarre victories in the night giant slalom in Schladming. The Swiss superstar was in 11th place at halftime, but then made a phenomenal comeback and raced to victory. And this year? “Odi” experienced a crazy déjà vu.

The reigning overall World Cup winner once again messed up the first run on the Planai and was only in a disappointing 12th place at halftime. But with a courageous run in the deciding race (and a good starting number, as the slope was getting worse and worse due to the rain), the best skier in the world still managed to make it onto the podium.

81st podium of the career

In the end, it was not a victory, but “Odi” could be more than satisfied with third place. It was his 3st podium finish in the World Cup. “I changed something in the setup after the first run, maybe it was a mental thing. In any case, I was lucky today,” Odermatt said afterwards in the ORF.

The winners' podium in Schladming: from left Kristoffersen, Steen Olsen and Odermatt. © APA / GEORG HOCHMUTH

Two Norwegians spoiled Odermatt's attempt to catch up. Alexander Steen Olsen, who was in second place at halftime, celebrated his third World Cup victory in the shortened race (the race was started from the reserve start because of the rain) and celebrated extremely exuberantly at the finish. His compatriot Henrik Kristoffersen was also happy: the Norwegian came second. Meanwhile, Loic Meillard had a long face: the Swiss was in the lead at halftime, but made a big mistake in the deciding race and fell back to fourth place.

No South Tyrolean in the second round

The best Azzurro was Luca De Aliprandini, who finished the race in 14th place. The giant slalom did not go as planned for the South Tyroleans. Alex Vinatzer narrowly missed qualifying for the second run in 31st place, while Tobias Kastlunger narrowly missed the decision in 57th place.

The chance to make amends is already on Wednesday, when the slalom in Schladming is scheduled to take place. It starts at 17.45 p.m. with the first run, as always in the SportNews-Live ticker.