Marco Odermatt: GEPA pictures
Val d’Isère World Cup GS 2024: Men’s World Cup GS: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
Early Season GS Podium Recap
The first two races of the 2024-25 Men’s World Cup Giant Slalom season showcased strong performances from multiple nations. Norway dominated the season opener in Sölden, Austria, sweeping the podium with Alexander Steen Olsen in 1st, Henrik Kristoffersen in 2nd, and Atle Lie McGrath in 3rd.
In Beaver Creek, USA, Switzerland, Brazil, and Slovenia joined the podium group. Thomas Tumler secured 1st for Switzerland, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil finished 2nd, and Zan Kranjec of Slovenia claimed 3rd.
Podium Tally by Nation:
- Norway: Three podiums (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Switzerland: One podium (1st)
- Brazil: One podium (2nd)
- Slovenia: One podium (3rd)
These results highlight the global competitiveness of this year’s field, setting up an exciting race in Val d’Isère on Dec. 14.
Marco Odermatt’s Unexpected Start
Although Marco Odermatt dominated last season, winning all but the final GS race, his start to the 2024-25 campaign has been a shock. He failed to finish at the Saalbach finals last season and has gone out in both GS races this season. This string of three consecutive DNFs is not just surprising—it’s unprecedented for the skier widely regarded as the best of his time.
Despite these setbacks, Odermatt remains the favorite heading into Val d’Isère. While it’s hard to predict how these results may affect him mentally, it’s likely they will fuel his determination to deliver a standout performance in France. All eyes will be on him to see if he can rebound and reassert his dominance.
Last Season’s Val d’Isère GS Podium
Last season’s Val d’Isère Giant Slalom podium featured Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt claiming 1st, Austria’s Marco Schwarz finishing 2nd, and Andorra’s Joan Verdu taking 3rd in a remarkable performance.
This season, Marco Schwarz will return to Val d’Isère for his first race since his injury in Bormio. However, he will only compete in the slalom as he continues his recovery. Fans hope to see him back in GS action at Alta Badia later this month.
This Season’s GS Winners
- Alexander Steen Olsen (NOR) – Sölden, Austria
- At just 23 years old, Steen Olsen showcased his potential with an impressive win in the season opener.
- Thomas Tumler (SUI) – Beaver Creek, USA
- At 35, Tumler became the second-oldest skier on record to secure his first World Cup victory, achieving this milestone last weekend.
These contrasting achievements highlight the diversity of talent in this season’s field as the tour heads to Val d’Isère.
Val d’Isère World Cup GS 2024 Update
Norway’s Alexander Steen Olsen, winner of the Sölden GS, will miss his season’s first race in Val d’Isère. Knee pain has been a constant challenge for him this season, and it has now sidelined him from training and competition. He is currently back in Norway receiving treatment.
Top 15 Men’s 2014-15 GS World Cup Standings
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A Unique Sight: Red Leader’s Bib Outside the Top 15
It’s rare to see a skier wearing the red leader’s bib start outside the first 15, but that’s exactly what will happen in Val d’Isère as Lucas Pinheiro Braathen takes to the course with bib 20. However, his position at the back of the top 30 won’t last long. Braathen is climbing the World Cup Start List at a blistering pace, and it’s only a matter of time before he secures an early start position.
Top 15 GS Standings Showcase Global Diversity
The current Giant Slalom standings highlight impressive performances from a variety of nations, demonstrating the sport’s global reach and competitiveness. Among the top 15 skiers:
- Norway leads with three athletes, showcasing their depth in Giant Slalom, including Alexander Steen Olsen, Henrik Kristoffersen, and Atle Lie McGrath.
- Switzerland places two skiers in the top 15, with Thomas Tumler leading their charge.
- Italy also contributes two skiers, reinforcing their consistent presence in the discipline.
- Brazil makes history with Lucas Pinheiro Braathen leading the standings.
- Slovenia, Croatia, Germany, United States, Austria, Belgium, and France each have one skier in the top 15.
This diverse representation of nations highlights the depth of talent in Giant Slalom this season, setting the stage for an exciting race in Val d’Isère.
Sixty-two men from 22 nations will start the men’s World Cup GS in Val d’Isère on Dec. 14, with Switzerland and Austria leading the field with eight qualified athletes on the start list.
R. Salej (SLO) will set the first run, and P. Fill (ITA) will set the second run.
U.S. Racers to Watch
Radamus Leads the Charge
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team enters Val d’Isère with River Radamus leading the Giant Slalom lineup. Ranked 10th on the World Cup Start List (WCSL), Radamus has established himself as the team’s GS standout.
Last season, he achieved a career milestone with his first World Cup podium in Palisades Tahoe. This season, Radamus continues to build momentum, starting with an 11th-place finish in Sölden and improving to seventh at his home race in Beaver Creek. Notably, Radamus also has a strong history at Val d’Isère, where he finished 10th last season.
All eyes will be on Radamus as he looks to climb further up the rankings in this weekend’s race.
Tommy Ford Eyes a Comeback
Tommy Ford remains the only active member of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team to have won a World Cup Giant Slalom, a testament to his veteran status and skill. The 35-year-old opened the season with a respectable 21st-place finish in Sölden but faced challenges in Beaver Creek, where he failed to finish the first run. Currently ranked 30th on the start list, Ford is motivated to maintain his position within the top thirty, which secures a preferred start position.
Ford’s history at Val d’Isère includes a DNF in last season’s first run, but his experience and past achievements, including a career-best 6th-place finish at the venue in 2018, highlight his potential. Saturday’s race offers a critical opportunity for Ford to find his rhythm and regain momentum in the 2024-25 season.
Kenney Looks to Build Momentum
Patrick Kenney, an independent racer competing with the Global Racing Team, is aiming to make his mark this season. Ranked 54th on the World Cup Start List (WCSL), Kenney scored World Cup points last season, standing out as one of the few independents to achieve that milestone. A former University of New Hampshire skier, he blends collegiate and World Cup experience but needs strong performances to climb the rankings.
Kenney had a tough start in Sölden, failing to qualify for the second run. However, he rebounded in Beaver Creek, impressing the home crowd with a great first run. Starting with bib 42, he posted the 21st fastest time but could not finish his second run despite skiing well. With every point being critical, Kenney will look to bounce back in Val d’Isère, hoping to qualify for the second time this season and deliver a solid performance.
George Steffey Sidelined Again
George Steffey, an independent U.S. skier competing with the Global Racing Team, continues to struggle with persistent back pain. Unfortunately, Steffey will miss his third World Cup Giant Slalom of the season, including the upcoming race in Val d’Isère. His absence marks another setback as he focuses on recovery and aims to return to the circuit at full strength.
Gile Seeks Breakthrough
Bridger Gile, a member of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, brings depth to the squad as he works toward his first World Cup points. Hailing from Aspen, Gile has gained valuable World Cup experience but is still chasing a breakthrough performance.
This season has been challenging so far, with Gile unable to finish a first run in either Sölden or Beaver Creek. Val d’Isère offers another opportunity for Gile to turn things around and take a step forward in his World Cup career.
With a mix of seasoned leaders and emerging talent, the U.S. squad is poised to make an impact in Val d’Isère.
North American Men Racing on the World Cup GS Start List
Erik Read Canada’s Independent Contender
One athlete will represent Canada in the Val d’Isère World Cup GS 2024.
Independent skier Erik Read, affiliated with the World Racing Academy, adds veteran expertise as the sole Canadian in the Val d’Isère field. Ranked 36th on the World Cup Start List (WCSL), Read has consistently qualified for four consecutive GS World Cup finals. However, starting outside the top 30, his position will be determined by his FIS points.
A University of Denver alumnus, Read showcased his skill in Val d’Isère earlier in his career, finishing 9th and 8th in the same season when the venue hosted two GS races on two separate race slopes. With his experience and determination, Read is poised to impact Saturday’s race.
North American men racing GS in Val d’Isère
- Bib 10, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, SYNC Shields
- Bib 26, Tommy Ford, Stifel USST, Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, HEAD
- Bib 42, Patrick Kenney, USA, Global Racing, University of New Hampshire, Burke Moutain Academy, Marker/Völkl, SYNC, SHRED
- Bib 54, Bridger Gile, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, HEAD, Oakley, SYNC Shields
- Bib 58, Erik Read, CAN World Racing Academy, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time and 12:30 a.m. Pacific Time, followed by the second run at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time and 4:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a replay on Ski And Snowboard Live.
Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.
Daily Program and First Run Start List
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Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
