Marco vs Marco: The Battle of the Marcos
SÖLDEN, Austria — Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt has shone once again on the Rettenbach Glacier, mastering the shortened, demanding second run with calm determination. After failing to finish here last season, he returned focused on redemption—attacking the course with control and power. His composed skiing carried him to victory on a weekend when the world’s best had to fight both the course and the weather.
The race turned into a battle of Marcos — Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt and Austria’s Marco Schwarz. The home crowd hoped for a second straight Austrian victory, but Schwarz had to settle for second as Odermatt powered to the win. Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath, part of last year’s Norwegian-podium sweep, delivered a strong second run to claim third, proving that even in difficult conditions, the best can still find their rhythm.
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Improved Conditions and a Sprint to the Finish
The second run was delayed by weather, but by afternoon the clouds began to lift, and visibility improved. Racers could finally see the course clearly and attack with confidence. With drones in the air and light breaking through, the atmosphere lifted too — energizing the field for a full-throttle charge down the Rettenbach Glacier. The Sölden crew kept the piste firm despite fresh snow and challenging conditions, creating the stage for a thrilling second-run showcase.
The second run turned into a sprint, demanding an all-out attack from start to finish. Inconsistent winds — including a headwind on the flats — added another layer of challenge. The course, set by Swiss coach Renzo Valsecchi, gave Odermatt confidence heading into the afternoon, and many racers responded with faster, more aggressive skiing than in their first run.
Radamus Faces a Challenging Second Run
River Radamus, the lone North American in the top 30, came out aggressively in the second run but struggled to find his rhythm on the short track. Pushing too hard from the start, he made costly mistakes, losing time on the critical pitch-into-flat section. After the race, River reflected, “I wanted more. I felt like I prepared really well. Coming in here, I think I am skiing the best I’ve ever skied. I didn’t put it together today, but I’m not going to change course now. I feel like the whole team is moving in the right direction. We’re carrying a lot of momentum in training and it’s always a different beast to put together in the race, but we’re all looking forward to getting on snow in Colorado and trying to defend home soil.” While his second run did not land him in the results he hoped for, River demonstrated determination and poise, and he will look to regroup for upcoming races.
The next stretch of the World Cup offers a chance for a home-soil rebound. The upcoming giant slalom at Copper Mountain is just 40 minutes from his parents’ home, followed closely by Beaver Creek, only 10 minutes away. Few racers will be more motivated than him when the tour returns to Colorado, racing on familiar slopes with family and friends cheering from nearby.
Odermatt Chasing Another Big Crystal Globe
Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt (Stöckli) started the season on a high note, showing confidence and precision in Sölden. “It’s the perfect start into a new season,” Odermatt said. “You always give a lot during summer, and you don’t really know where you are before the first race. So this is very good for getting into the season and having that confidence back — a perfect start.” He added, “At the end of last season, GS got a little more difficult for me, so I really focused again on GS during prep. It was worth it, and I’ll take the good feeling and the speed into the next races.”
Racing on Stöckli skis, Marco Odermatt isn’t just defending his title — he’s chasing a fifth straight overall Crystal Globe. Another giant slalom Globe in 2025 would tie him with American great Ted Ligety for third on the all-time list with five, while fellow superstar Marcel Hirscher (NED) remains in pursuit of Ingemar Stenmark’s record of seven. Odermatt’s strong start in Sölden sets the tone for another thrilling season as he balances his chase for both overall and discipline glory.
Notable Gains in a Competitive Field
Several athletes made big moves in the second run. Italy’s Alex Vinatzer charged from bib 22 to finish eighth, while Austria’s Raphael Haaser impressed on his new Atomic equipment, climbing from bib 16 to sixth. Germany also delivered, putting four racers in the points despite the demanding conditions. France’s 19-year-old Flavio Vitale made a strong statement, jumping from bib 33 to tenth — proof that he’s one to watch in the seasons ahead.
Sölden Delivers Excitement and Drama in Men’s GS Opener
The second run in Sölden rewarded aggressive, well-timed skiing and showcased Europe’s deep field of talent. With Marco Odermatt taking the win and several young racers making bold moves, the men’s World Cup opener set the tone for an exciting season ahead. Tough conditions, a shortened course, and shifting weather created a thrilling mix where full commitment — and experience — made the difference.
Race Results
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Second Run Analysis: Top Three and Other North Americans
About the Author: Katie Twible
