Marco Odermatt Beaver Creek GS finish area 2024: GEPA pictures
Odermatt’s Struggles in Beaver Creek
Marco Odermatt’s third straight giant slalom DNF in Beaver Creek puzzled fans and experts. For the reigning overall World Cup champion, this streak was unexpected.
German superstar Felix Neureuther shared his thoughts on the performance. “I didn’t like Odi’s body language. He usually stays centered over the ski, but his center of gravity in Beaver Creek was too far back,” he observed.
Impatience or Miscalculation?
Blick columnist Bernhard Russi offered a different perspective, pointing to impatience as the culprit. “Marco lost patience. He wanted to win at the fourth gate and took a line that was too narrow and too direct,” Russi explained. “Sometimes, you must limit the damage and settle for fourth or fifth place. His eighth-place first run showed he wasn’t himself. These days happen to every athlete.”
However, Odermatt’s coach, Helmut Krug, disagreed with this assessment. Instead, he highlighted equipment as the root of the problem.
Equipment Misstep
“We made a complete mistake in the material area,” Krug admitted. He explained that the team tested equipment adjustments that performed exceptionally well during training in Vail. “We assumed it would work for Beaver Creek’s conditions, but unfortunately, it didn’t.”
Krug emphasized that for an athlete of Odermatt’s caliber, settling for fourth or fifth place isn’t enough. Before the recent setbacks, Odermatt had won 12 consecutive World Cup races in giant slalom, as well as Olympic and World Championship gold medals and three crystal globes.
Preparing for Val-d’Isère
Odermatt and his team are focused on the next challenge—the giant slalom in Val d’Isère. The steep and technical “Face de Bellevarde” has been a stronghold for the Swiss skier, who has won there three years in a row.
Blick columnist Russi remains optimistic about Odermatt’s chances. “Marco doesn’t need to win the race at the third gate on this slope. Success here depends on adaptability, and Marco excels at that,” he said.
Competition Heats Up
While Russi remains confident, Neureuther pointed to increased competition in the discipline. “Marco will win more giant slalom races this season, but it won’t be as easy as in recent years,” he said.
He highlighted several strong performers, including Thomas Tumler, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, Zan Kranjec, Alexander Steen-Olsen, and Henrik Kristoffersen. “It’s going to be incredibly exciting,” Neureuther added.
Race Day
The giant slalom on Saturday on the “Face de Bellevarde” promises to be a thriller.
Blick.ch reported this story, which has been translated and adapted for clarity.
About the Author: SR Staff Report
