Marco Odermatt Aims for Fourth Consecutive Giant Slalom Win in Val d’Isère
Odermatt Back on Top after Consecutive dnfs
Val d’Isère, France – Swiss ski racer Marco Odermatt silenced doubters with a dominant first run in the Val d’Isère giant slalom, reclaiming his position as a frontrunner after a string of unexpected DNFs.
Odermatt, the reigning Olympic and World Champion in giant slalom, had faced an unusual setback with back-to-back DNFs in the discipline this season, extending to three consecutive giant slalom races if you include last season’s World Championships.
“It’s almost embarrassing,” Odermatt admitted after his recent exit in Beaver creek, attributing the falls to taking unneeded risks. Though, he remained confident in his abilities, stating, “I feel good on my skis.”
His confidence was evident in Val d’Isère, where he navigated a snowy first run with precision, setting the fastest time. “It feels good,” Odermatt said in a post-race interview with SRF. “I knew I hadn’t forgotten how to ski.It was just a matter of time before I put together a clean run. It can always be faster, but this was the run I needed.”
Odermatt has a history of success on the Face-de-Bellevarde piste, winning the giant slalom there for the past three years. He’s now aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory.Thomas Tumler, who stepped up to claim victory in Beaver Creek, opened the race but couldn’t match the pace of the leaders, currently sitting in sixth place.Loïc Meillard, though, is hot on the heels of Henrik Kristoffersen, placing third after the first run and aiming for a podium finish.The second run promises to be a thrilling showdown as Odermatt looks to solidify his comeback and secure another victory on his favorite slope.
back on Track: Odermatt Aims for Record-Breaking Fourth Consecutive Victory in Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère,France – After a string of unexpected DNFs,Swiss skiing star Marco Odermatt returned to form with a commanding first run performance in the Val d’Isère giant slalom.
Odermatt, the reigning Olympic and World Champion, silenced doubters with his blistering pace, setting the fastest time on the snowy Face-de-Bellevarde piste. The dominant performance comes after a frustrating period for Odermatt, who suffered back-to-back DNFs in the discipline, including a shocking exit at Beaver Creek.
“It feels good,” Odermatt stated in a post-race interview with SRF. “I knew I hadn’t forgotten how to ski. it was just a matter of time before I put together a clean run. It can always be faster, but this was the run I needed.”
Odermatt’s record on this particular slope is astounding, having won the giant slalom in Val d’Isère for the past three years. A victory on Sunday would mark a historic fourth consecutive win.
While Thomas Tumler, who capitalized on Odermatt’s absence to win in Beaver Creek, currently sits in sixth, Loïc Meillard remains in hot pursuit of Odermatt, currently holding third place. Henrik Kristoffersen leads the pack, challenging Odermatt for the top spot.
The second run promises to be a thrilling showdown, with Odermatt aiming to solidify his comeback and secure another victory on his favored slope.