Odermatt sets off in the snowstorm

Marco Odermatt showed in the first run of the giant slalom in Val-d'Isère, France, that his recent negative run does not stop him from achieving his best performances.

14 December 2024

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The slope in Val-d'Isère is one of the most demanding challenges in the World Cup - and it was in the French Alps that Marco Odermatt managed to present himself confidently in his favorite discipline after a long time. Even the initially heavy snowfall did not stop the Swiss.

At the beginning, it actually seemed as if his failure in Beaver Creek had left its mark. In the USA, Odermatt was eliminated in a giant slalom for the third time in a row across the season, which may be why his start in France was so cautious. But the 27-year-old gradually found his feet and was on track, especially in the somewhat flatter final section.

After the first run, Odermatt leads with a lead of 0,15 seconds over the Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen, fellow countryman Loic Meillard follows in third place (+0,32). "It was exactly the run I needed. Nothing special, no taking the ultimate risk. Then I got better and better," he explained in an interview with the ORF.

Vinatzer intervenes

For Alex Vinatzer, the adventure in Val-d'Isère was over after the first run. Shortly after the third intermediate time, the South Tyrolean got his arm caught on a gate, was thrown off course and fell.

Luca de Aliprandini was the best Azzurro and placed in the top 1,61, 20 seconds behind. Hannes Zingerle (26th/+2,63) and Giovanni Borsotti (27th/+2,78) made it to the second round. Filippo della Vite (36th/+3,96) and Simon Talacci (41st/+4,14) did not qualify for the final.

The decision in the French Alps is scheduled for 13.00 p.m. The women will also be in action on Saturday. A downhill race will take place in Beaver Creek at 19.00 p.m.