Featured Image: Marco Odermatt Bansko 2019. Credit: GEPA Photos

Who is skiing, when and how to watch the Saturday, February 10th Bansko GS

The Men’s World Cup Giant Slalom (GS) in Bansko, Bulgaria, on Saturday, February 10th, is set to showcase the dominance of Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt. Odermatt, the reigning GS champion, has swept all five GS races this season, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats at 26.

During the last GS event on January 23rd in Schladming, Austria, Odermatt triumphed in front of 60,000 spectators, with Manuel Feller of Austria placing second and Žan Kranjec of Slovenia third.

In the last GS event on January 23rd in Schladming, Austria, Odermatt triumphed in front of 60,000 spectators, with Manuel Feller of Austria placing second and Žan Kranjec of Slovenia third.

Currently, Odermatt leads the season standings with a flawless 500 points, positioning himself firmly for another season title and the GS discipline Globe. Trailing behind are Zubčić with 285 points and Kranjec with 226. Notably, River Radamus of the Stifel US Ski Team sits 13th with 102 points, representing the top North American contender.

However, competitors can improve their rankings with six GS races remaining on the calendar, including three in the USA (one in Palisades Tahoe and two in Aspen). Achieving a top-25 rank at the end of the following five regular season races earns an invitation to compete in the World Cup finals GS in Saalbach, Austria, in March. Qualifying for finals is a lifetime goal of many racers.

Notably, the last time the men raced GS in Bansko was at the end of February 2021.

Top-ranked 2023-24 Men’s GS Skiers

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Men’s GS Nations Cup Battle

In the Nations Cup GS competition, Switzerland leads with 841 points, followed by Norway with 625 and Austria with 496. Notably, the US ranks 8th with 150 points, while Canada sits 12th with 35, indicating a competitive international field.

North Americans

Tommy Ford, among the North American athletes, joins Radamus as the only other top-25-ranked GS skier, boasting 48 points. Veterans Erik Read and James Crawford have also contributed points for Canada this season, with Read aiming to secure a spot in the finals with five races remaining. Additionally, Brian McLaughlin and George Steffey of the Stifel US Ski Team, though yet to score this season, have the potential to make an impact in Bansko.

The next GS event will take place at Palisades Tahoe on February 24th, and the upcoming World Cup will feature a slalom in Bansko on Sunday, February 11th.

US and Canadian Men Who Have Scored World Cup GS Points This Season.

North Americans Entered in the Saturday, February 10th Bansko Giant Slalom

• Bib 13, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 21, Tommy Ford, Stifel USST, Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, HEAD
• Bib 25, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX, Level GlovesAtomic, UVEX
• Bib 34, George Steffey, Stifel USST, Stratton Mountain School, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, Level Gloves
• Bib 38, Isaiah Nelson, Stifel USST, Buck Hill Ski Team, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 39, Brian McLaughlin, Stifel USST invitee, Dartmouth College, GMVS, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, TOKO, SYNC
• Bib 40, Asher Jordan, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 57, Bridger Gile, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, HEAD, Oakley, Level Gloves

Athletes from 20 nations are entered in the February 10th Bansko GS.

About Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko, located in Southwestern Bulgaria, has a rich history dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. However, Bansko flourished into a thriving settlement, known for crafts and trade, by the middle of the 18th century.

Today, Bansko has transformed into a hub for both winter and summer tourism, attracting visitors from around the globe. Once a humble farm and merchant community, the town now stands as an international destination, drawing in tourists with its scenic beauty and affordable lifestyle.

Bulgaria is on the cusp of making history as it hosts alpine skiing and snowboarding World Cup events in the upcoming 2023/2024 season. Renowned for being awarded Bulgaria’s Best Ski Resort, Bansko will take center stage on February 10 and 11, 2024, welcoming elite athletes for world-class competitions in giant slalom and slalom. This prestigious opportunity showcases Bulgaria’s role in winter sports and underscores its growing reputation as a top-tier destination for international competitions.

As anticipation builds for the Men’s World Cup Giant Slalom in Bansko, Bulgaria, on Saturday, February 10th, athletes prepare for an electrifying showcase of athleticism on the world stage. The next GS event will take place at Palisades Tahoe on February 24th, and the upcoming World Cup will feature a slalom in Bansko on Sunday, February 11th.

With Marco Odermatt’s commanding presence and the fierce competition from top contenders like Zubčić and Kranjec, fans can expect nothing short of exhilarating performances. While Odermatt leads the charge toward another season title, competitors are gearing up to seize their chance for glory in the remaining races. With its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, Bansko provides the perfect backdrop for this thrilling event, solidifying its status as a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts worldwide.

When and How to Watch the Saturday, February 10th World Cup Giant Slalom (GS)

The broadcast is scheduled to air the first run at 12:30 am PST, 1:30 am MST, 3:30 am EST. The broadcast is scheduled to air the second run at 3:30 am PST, 4:30 am MST, 6:30 am EST.

First Run Start List and Program for the Saturday February 10th Bansko Giant Slalom

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Program for the February 10th Bansko Giant Slalom