Vinatzer's bitter slip-up and the Swiss World Cup party

He withstood the pressure. Marco Odermatt started the World Cup giant slalom as the big favorite and won the gold medal - even though he was still half a second behind at halftime. Particularly nice for the overall World Cup leader: In the end, a Swiss colleague stood next to him on the podium, namely Loïc Meillard, who grabbed silver. “It was an incredible day,” said “Odi” at the press conference and in the same breath added: “But also a lot of hard work.”

The first round in particular demanded everything from the athletes. “I just pushed,” said Odermatt, who now won his second World Championship gold after the coup in the downhill. Sharing the podium with a compatriot is a special thing for the superstar.

Two Swiss compete: champion Marco Odermatt (right) and vice world champion Loïc Meillard. © APA/afp / JEFF PACHOUD

“We have been teammates for years and have the same life. We like to play cards or tennis together,” says Odermatt, describing the relationship with Meillard, who for his part hasn’t had easy days. “I was in bed for three days and had a fever, I lacked energy and I also hurt my foot during training. Without perfect preparation, today feels even better.”

Vinatzer falls Alex Vinatzer, on the other hand, had to swallow a bitter pill. He was doing well for a long time, but in the end the result list shows a DNF, i.e. a Did Not Finish. So the man from Val Gardena was eliminated, just a few meters from the finish. “Vinnie” was able to qualify for the decision in the morning with a good 23rd time and initially showed a solid performance. The 23-year-old from Val Gardena felt comfortable on the icy slope, but then a mistake crept in the middle section.

Vinatzer tried to save what could be saved, but risked a little too much and slipped a few goals before the goal. “It’s a shame,” said the Wolkensteiner afterwards in the mixed zone. “I tried to attack in the second round. In the end it was a bit too much. But for my giant slalom experience and my level in this discipline, it wasn’t a bad race,” said the not dissatisfied Vinatzer.

His parade race is only coming, because the slalom is on Sunday. “Everything is possible there,” says Vinatzer, looking forward to his very last appearance at this World Championship.

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Vinatzer's bitter slip-up and the Swiss World Cup party

The World Cup giant slalom was as exhausting as very few have been this winter. In the end, Switzerland celebrated a double victory - and South Tyrolean Alex Vinatzer had to swallow a bitter pill. We deliver the votes for Friday's race!

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