Photo: Zan Kranjec. Alta Badia. GEPA pictures.

LA VILLA, Italy – The Gran Risa is entirely in the shade, and flat light is one of its characteristics.

Olympic silver medalist Zan Kranjec led the opening run of the Alta Badia giant slalom on Sunday while overall World Cup leader Marco Odermatt struggled in ninth place.

For the first time this year, Odermatt made mistakes and could not find his rhythm. When you show weakness to a crowd of elite competitors, they will take full advantage. Even though Odermatt skied with bib one, he crossed the finish shaking his head with disappointment. 

By the end of the first seven bib numbers, Odermatt found himself in the sixth, 1.42 behind Slovenian Zan Kranjec. And at the end of the 30, Odrmatt was in ninth. 

It became clear that while Odermatt has been skiing speed events, the other men of the tour have been applying themselves to their GS craft. Odermatt looked as if he was uncomfortable with his timing. On the other hand, his competitors are responding to his challenge and pushing their GS skiing to new levels. 

Kranjec posted a significant advantage ahead of two Norwegians.

Two Norwegians, Lucas Braathen and Henrik Kristoffersen dominated the upper two steep sections. However, Kranjec’s power and precision were unbeatable on the bottom two. In the finish, the powerful Slovenian found himself 0.60 seconds clear of second place Kristoffersen. 

Kranjec is chasing his third World Cup win, which would match Jure Kosir, the bronze medalist in slalom at the 1994 Olympics, as the most by a Slovenian man.

Four North Americans started in the top 30. Unfortunately for the Stifel US Alpine team, both River Radamus and Tommy Ford struggled. Radamus skied off-course, and Ford had difficulty finding his balance and finished well off the pace, and did not qualify for the second run. The two top Canadians found themselves off the pace of the flying Kranjec but are among other good racers finding their way to the second run. In addition, James Crawford showed he has maintained his GS skills while succeeding in the speed events. Crawford joined Erik Read and Trevor Philp among the Canadian qualifiers. A good performance by the Canadians. Unfortunately, no US athletes will ski in the final run. 

The 21-year-old Italian Filippo Della Vite gave the home crowd more hope for the future of Italian GS. The rising star qualified again, finishing run one in 21st place. He will join his teammate Luca De Aliprandini as the two Italians to qualify for the second run. The best Italians finished together in 2oth and 21st. 

Once again, the Gran Risa delivered. It is known to challenge those who dare to leave the start. It is also known to showcase just how good the best are. When the time spread for the top thirty is 3.84 seconds, you know it was a severe challenge. The relieved racer in 30th today who will start first on the second run is Switzerland’s, Livio Simonet.

Analysis of the three and North Americans qualifying for the second run

First, run the top 30 results Alta Badia GS December 18th

The Associated Press contributed to this report.