Odermatt in a hot three-way battle only the hunter

At the World Cup in Alta Badia, everything is coming down to a fierce three-way battle. Overall World Cup winner Marco Odermatt will be the hunter. The decision will be made at 13.30:XNUMX p.m.

22 December 2024

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Due to its length and steepness, the Gran Risa is one of the hardest slopes in the World Cup. The slope lived up to its reputation on Sunday, and the elite of alpine skiing were once again put in a great performance. A trio put in a particularly strong performance in the first run of the giant slalom in Alta Badia - especially Filip Zubcic. The Croatian conjured up the best time in the snow with 1.16,3 minutes, with the Norwegian Alexander Steen Olsen (+0,05 seconds) and Marco Odermatt (+0,19) hot on his heels.

While Zubcic is aiming for his first World Cup victory since February 2021, Odermatt would make history if he were to successfully catch up. A triumph in South Tyrol would mean his 41st World Cup victory, which would put him ahead of Swiss legend Pirmin Zurbriggen. The 27-year-old was only thanks to his downhill victory in Val Gardena equaled his iconic compatriot.

Odermatt is chasing the Swiss's sole record. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

“Yesterday it was already an emotional victory to draw level with Pirmin - the Swiss legend,” Odermatt explained in an interview with the ORFBut he doesn't put any particular pressure on himself, and breaking the record alone isn't his absolute goal. "Whether that happens today or at some point, I'm not stressed about it."

Schwarz shows off in comeback

The Austrian Marco Schwarz caused a small surprise. Around a year after his cruciate ligament tear in Bormio, the 29-year-old competed in a World Cup giant slalom for the first time - and promptly became the best ÖSV athlete in the first run, finishing sixth (+0,69).

“I am a bit surprised. But it felt good in training,” he said in an interview with ORF "It's brutal on this slope, it's rough and the slope breaks away. It's even more demanding on the body."

Azzurri fight at home World Cup

Luca de Aliprandini was the best Azzurro in 13th place, 1,34 seconds behind the half-time leader Zubcic. For South Tyrolean Alex Vinatzer, however, his home race was a little difficult. The 25-year-old had a hard time with the track and couldn't find the right rhythm. A gap of 2,04 seconds meant 24th place. While Vinatzer can hope for a jump forward in the second run, Hannes Zingerle has to watch after finishing 38th in the first run (+3,11). The decision starts at 13.30 p.m.