Marco Odermatt won the giant slalom opener in Val d'Isere. © APA/afp / JEFF PACHOUD

Euphoria in Alta Badia: Everything speaks for Odermatt

The Alpine Ski Festival in South Tyrol continues. On Sunday and Monday there will be two men's giant slalom races in Alta Badia. The favorite: Marco Odermatt.

17 December 2023

From: do

The Gran Risa is considered by experts to be one of the most difficult slopes in the World Cup circuit. The legendary route winds its way into the valley, incredibly steep and technically demanding like nowhere else. After the speed races in Val Gardena, the time has come on Sunday and from 10.00 a.m. South Tyrol can marvel at the athletes around Marco Odermatt and Co. who want to write their name in the history books in the giant slalom in Alta Badia.

The Swiss is considered the clear favorite - the 26-year-old won the first giant slalom in Val d'Isere this season and triumphed in the second of the two races on the Gran Risa last winter. In addition, Odermatt will want to put out the fire in the technical discipline that will burn in him after missing the victory in Val Gardena. He will tackle this venture with start number 4.

Who calls for the Dominator?

But before that, others can submit. The Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen will open the race on Sunday morning with the number one on his chest. He is followed by Marco Schwarz, who came second in France, and Zan Kranjec. Alexis Pinturault starts with number 6 and Joan Verdu, who achieved a sensational podium finish in Val d'Isere, starts with number 13.

Alex Vinatzer finished 14th in Val d'Isere. © ANSA / Guillaume Horcajuelo

The first Azzurro at the home race is Filippo Della Vite with starting position 13, Luca De Aliprandini wears starting number 18, Giovanni Borsotti comes in 22nd, while Hannes Zingerle is the first South Tyrolean with 28th. Alex Vinatzer was drawn with 43, Simon Maurberger with 51, Tobias Kastlunger starts with 63 and Giovanni Franzoni with 68.

The race on Monday also takes place from 10.00 a.m.

This is how it starts