A surprising victory unfolded at Alta Badia, Italy, in the World Cup giant slalom on Sunday, with Marco Schwarz claiming the top spot on the renowned Gran Risa course. Schwarz, starting with bib No. 1, maintained his lead from start to finish, clocking in at 2 minutes 35.02 seconds, edging out Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil by 18-100ths of a second.
Expressing his joy, Schwarz emphasized the significance of the win after a lengthy absence from racing due to injury since his last triumph in December 2023. The victory was not only personally meaningful but also uplifting for his team, as he embraced his Austrian teammate Stefan Brennsteiner, who secured third place with a time of 2:35.24.
Pinheiro Braathen, who had been the only other racer to win the Alta Badia giant slalom since Odermatt’s streak began in December 2021, finished closely behind Schwarz. Odermatt, after a series of demanding speed races in Val Gardena, settled for sixth place in 2:35.84, showcasing a rare moment of frustration at the finish line. Despite the setback, Odermatt maintains a substantial lead in the overall standings, pursuing a sixth consecutive title.
For Schwarz, the victory marked his seventh World Cup win and second in giant slalom, highlighting his versatility on the men’s circuit. The lone Canadian contender, Erik Read from Calgary, placed 32nd after missing the top 30 in the initial run.
In a historic moment, the race featured the return of a Russian skier to the men’s World Cup event after nearly four years, following the relaxation of sanctions imposed during the conflict in Ukraine. Aleksander Andrienko, granted neutral status, aimed to qualify for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Notably absent from the competition was Alexander Steen Olsen of Norway, who opted for season-ending knee surgery due to a lingering injury, despite his past successes in giant slalom on the World Cup circuit. Odermatt, the reigning Olympic champion in giant slalom, continues to dominate the field with his exceptional performance.
Overall, the event at Alta Badia showcased thrilling competition and unexpected outcomes, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in alpine skiing.
