Loïc Meillard: GEPA picture
Meillard Wins Thrilling Hafjell GS as Switzerland Sweeps Podium; Odermatt Clinches GS and Overall Titles
The regular season’s final giant slalom (GS) delivered high drama, heartbreak, and history, as Loïc Meillard claimed his first GS win of the season, leading a Swiss podium sweep. At the same time, Marco Odermatt cemented his dominance, locking up both the GS and Overall World Cup titles.
Haaser’s Shocking Crash Sets Up Intense Finale
The tension in Hafjell skyrocketed when newly crowned World Champion Raphael Haaser looked poised to take the lead—only to suffer a brutal crash in the final sector. Bleeding and motionless for a moment, Haaser ultimately slid down the mountain on one ski, his race ending in devastation.
Radamus Leads, But the Battle Escalates
With the podium still wide open, River Radamus charged down the course, delivering a brilliant, fearless run. But despite his aggressive skiing, he couldn’t find the same timing and efficiency that had carried him in the first run, posting the 23rd fastest second-run time. While he briefly took the lead, his time wouldn’t hold, and he eventually finished seventh, 1.50 seconds behind Meillard, tying his season’s best result.
The Norwegian crowd erupted moments later, as Alexander Steen Olsen stormed into first place by 0.81 seconds. The young Norwegian executed the best final sector to seize control of the race.
Then came Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, still beloved in Norway despite now representing Brazil. He delivered a powerful run, edging Steen Olsen by 0.13 seconds to take the lead.
Austria’s Stefan Brennsteiner followed but couldn’t challenge for the win, crossing third at the time, bumping Radamus off the podium.
Odermatt Leaves No Doubt, Clinches Two More Titles
As the GS season leader and the world’s most dominant skier, Marco Odermatt had everything on the line—one last giant slalom to seal his fourth consecutive GS title and fourth straight Overall World Cup crystal globe. Odermatt delivered exactly what was needed, attacking with his signature precision and power to take a 0.42-second lead over Pinheiro Braathen. His second-run time was the second fastest, ensuring his title-clinching performance was decisive.
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Meillard Rises to the Moment, Completes Swiss Sweep
With Thomas Tumler delivering a solid run but falling just short of Odermatt, it all came down to Meillard, the first-run leader. Though he had been one of the most consistent GS racers all season, a win had eluded him—until now.
Under pressure, Meillard skied with confidence and control, executing a fourth-ranked second run to edge Odermatt by 0.14 seconds. While Odermatt was the fastest skier in two sectors, Meillard’s consistent execution throughout the course made the difference. With that, he secured victory and completed a Swiss 1-2-3 podium sweep.
As the regular-season GS finale came to a close, Switzerland stood on top, Meillard claimed long-awaited glory, and Odermatt cemented his reign, collecting his fourth GS and Overall World Cup titles, adding to the super-G title he locked up last week.
The race for the GS globe is over—the Odermatt era rolls on.
What They Said
Marco Odermatt on clinching the GS and Overall titles:
“It’s unbelievable—two more globes. The Overall title already felt secure, but the GS globe was still a battle. Henrik pushed me hard, and my GS shape hasn’t quite been at last year’s level, so I’m really happy with second place today and to win another globe.”
“This GS title feels different from the last three. Before, I led from the first race to the last, but this season started with two DNFs, and I had to fight back race by race. It wasn’t as smooth, but that makes winning it even more special.”
“Having all the globes wrapped up before Sun Valley definitely helps. In past years, I had them secured early, but this time, I had to stay sharp with no room for mistakes. Now, I can focus on the last challenge—the downhill title.”
Loïc Meillard on His Hafjell GS Victory and Swiss Podium Sweep:
“It feels amazing. It hasn’t been an easy season in GS, but my skiing is back, and to share this podium with two teammates makes it even more special. I think this is the first time we’ve had three Swiss guys on a GS podium, and that’s something we’ll always remember.”
“I felt good today. I knew what to do, where to focus, and on this slope, you have to be working all the time. A simple mistake can cost a lot, so I just tried to give it everything—staying consistent, making the right movements with the right technique—and it paid off.”
“I’m really proud that I managed to fight race by race, run by run, to be in this position and challenge for victories. Pushing yourself over and over again through a long season is tough, so I’m happy this very successful trip in Norway is over, and now I can enjoy a cool final week in Sun Valley.”
Thomas Tumler on Sharing the Podium and Switzerland’s Success:
“It’s really cool to share the podium with my two Swiss friends. The conditions were the best of the year, and it made for an incredible race.”
On whether Switzerland would continue its trademark celebration from Saalbach 2025, where the men’s team shaved their heads after their medal haul, Tumler laughed off the idea:
“For me, no. Sure, we’ll drink a beer at the airport, but the hair—we’ll leave it how it is.”
River Radamus on His Performance in Hafjell Giant Slalom:
“It was awesome. The hill prep was phenomenal—one of the best we’ve seen all year—and the crowd was great. We all just want to put on a show for the fans.”
“Of course, I would’ve liked to hold the lead a bit longer and stand on the podium today. My skiing has been up and down all season—one fast run, one slow run—but today, I put together two that I was pretty happy with. There’s still work to do, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
“It’s been a work in progress. I had to almost reconstruct my GS skiing midway through the season because things just weren’t working. Lately, it’s been coming along—I’ve had one good run, one slow run, back and forth. Today, I put together probably my best first run of the season, and while there’s still more to clean up in the second, I finally feel like myself again.”
“Hafjell is special to me. This is where I first started to believe that being a ski racer could be a real career. Coming back here brings all the emotions—melancholy, bittersweet—but I love this hill, I love the people, and I’m really happy I could put down a strong performance.”
“I’m really excited for slalom tomorrow. The hill is in great shape, and it’s the kind of course where you have to push or you’ll get passed. It should be a fun way to close out my slalom season.”
Early Drama in Hafjell GS Second Run as First 12 Skiers Complete Their Runs
The final run in Hafjell began with immediate drama, as two early contenders failed to capitalize on their runs. Alex Vinatzer did not finish, while Žan Kranjec nearly stopped, losing massive time and ending his mathematical GS title hopes.
Grammel Storms to the Lead
With 12 racers down, Germany’s Anton Grammel held the leader’s chair, posting a blazing second run for a combined time of 2:19.89. His 1:08.43 was the fastest second run so far.
Just 0.04 seconds behind, France’s Alban Elezi Cannaferina held second, while Austria’s Patrick Feurstein sat third at +0.14.
With more than half the field still to race, the fight for the podium and GS title points was just beginning!
Maes Takes the Lead with 15 Skiers Left
As the 15 fastest skiers from the first run prepared to attack, Sam Maes of Belgium took over the hot seat. Delivering a strong, composed second run, he posted 2:19.88, edging Grammel by just 0.01 seconds.
Elezi Cannaferina remained third, just 0.05 back, as the battle intensified.
With the fastest racers yet to come, the fight for the podium was wide open!
Maes Still Leads as Kristoffersen’s Title Hopes Fade
The skier who entered the day ranked second in the GS standings, 41 points behind Odermatt, needed brilliance to keep his title dreams alive. Instead, he struggled again, failing to generate the necessary speed. When he crossed, he was only seventh, and with that, his mathematical shot at the GS and Overall globes was gone.
Despite multiple world-class GS skiers attacking the course, Maes remained in the lead. With ten racers left, the podium fight was heating up, but the top of the leaderboard remained unchanged.
Final Standings of Early Leaders
By the end of the race, the early pacesetters still made an impact:
- Maes finished ninth, climbing 11 spots.
- Grammel rose 15 positions to finish 10th with the fastest second run.
- Elezi Cannaferina gained 12 spots, landing in 11th.
Their strong second runs set the tone, but the podium would see dramatic shake-ups as the final contenders raced.
Results:
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Analysis of the Fastest Three and Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s River Radamus
About the Author: Peter Lange
