Day two Gran Risa Podium GEPA pictures/Thomas Bachun

Marco “The Magnificent” Odermatt continues his domination of men’s giant slalom. Switzerland’s Odermatt used his unmatched skills to win his fourth career Alta Badia Gran Risa GS. It was the 17th GS victory of his career. It is hard to believe what this man is capable of. Men’s GS is filled with exceptional talent, but Odermatt delivers a level the field can not match. The Gran Risa is a complete exam of a racer’s skills, and Odermatt shines in every category. With today’s result, Odermatt takes a 90-point lead in the season’s GS standings and 92 points in the overall competition. Ultimately, the concern about Odermatt’s energy level after four previous days of competing for victories was not a factor.

Two amazing days; it’s so nice to come here in the finish with another victory in this atmosphere, in the Dolomites with the last sunshine of the day.” He continued, “It’s never easy, but with the big advantage from the first run, I knew I probably didn’t have to take 100 percent risks. I took it a bit easier in the first six, seven, eight gates because they were very, very turny, but from then on, I was in the run and could ski well.”

Concerning the overall competition between Odermatt and Schwarz, the Austrian said, “Hopefully, it will be a good battle for the whole season.” He also spoke about his day, “Pretty happy about my second run; it was much better than yesterday,” Schwarz said, referencing his drop to fourth place on Sunday.

Austrian Marco Schwarz (+1.05) and Slovenian Zan Kranjec (+1.22) join Odermatt on the podium.

Drama builds

The reverse 30 final run format used for slalom and giant slalom races is the best in Alpine racing history. It provides drama throughout the entire second run. Notably, until the last skier finishes, the podium is undecided. It never fails to deliver drama. Today was a fantastic example.

After the first run, it was apparent that the podium winners would come from the fastest five from the first run. The first of the elite group to ski was French skier Alexis Pinturault. At the time, Norwegian Atle Lie McGrath sat in the finish area’s leader throne. Pinturault did not disappoint and crossed the finish with a (-0.24) lead. Next to ski was yesterday’s third-place finisher, Kranjec. Kranjec skied with fantastic skill and power; he crossed with a (-1.15) advantage over Pinturault. However, the next racer to compete, Schwarz, matched Kranjec, and he took the lead and guaranteed an Austrian skier on the podium. Next was the only one of the morning’s five best to blink, Croatian Filip Zubcic. Zubcic pushed beyond his limit and made costly mistakes; when he crossed, he was in 3rd place with only Marco Odrmatt left to ski. The rest is historic.

North Americans

River Radamus was the only Stifel US Ski Team member to advance to the second run. USA’s best-ranked male GS skier delivered a solid first run and went into the finale ranked 10th. However, Radamus had difficulty seeing the timing during his effort on the fast second-run course and crossed the finish line in sixth. Still, Radamus ended the day ranked a solid 14th (+3.60). His season GS rank rises one position from 15th to 14th.

The first North American to ski the second run was Canadian James “Jack” Crawford. Improving on yesterday’s disappointing afternoon performance, Crawford crossed into the finish with a lead. The speed event star continues to show he hasn’t lost the ability to compete on the world GS stage. Crawford moved up five positions in the finale and finished 22nd (+5.15).

The day’s big move

Starting fifth on the second course, Norwegian Timon Haugan delivered a rapid final run and marched up the leaderboard. He assumed the leader’s throne and watched for the next seven racers in its comfort. He was finally displaced from the lead by Belgium’s Sam Maes, who trains with Global Racing. However, by the end of the race, Haugan had risen nine positions to finish 17th (+4.23).

The last World Cup GS run of 2023 was a thriller. The second course set by the German coach Bernd Brunner course was considerably faster than the first. As the fourth course set on the Gran Risa, there was the additional challenge of three courses of wear creating bumpy conditions. Additionally, the cumulative fatigue of the previous runs adds to the challenge of the rougher course.

Alta Badia Monday GS results and analysis of the fastest three and qualified North Americans

Analysis of the fastest three and North Americans