Marco Odermatt: GEPA pictures/ Greg M. Cooper

On a sunny Friday morning in Aspen, Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt dominates the first run GS leaderboard. Norway’s 22-year-old Alexander Steen Olsen trails behind him by 0.12 seconds. Following closely is Odermatt’s teammate Loic Meillard, who is lagging by 0.19 seconds. Moreover, six racers are within one second of the leader.

The second run promises an exciting podium battle. Odermatt aims to extend his lead, eyeing his perfect eighth GS win of the season and his 11th consecutive victory.

Last week, Stifel US Ski Team’s River Radamus of Colorado made history by clinching the first USA men’s World Cup giant slalom podium since Tommy Ford in December 2020. Fueled by the home crowd’s cheers at Palisades Tahoe, he achieved his best career World Cup result.

Despite skiing strongly and leading Odermatt in the first timing sector, Radamus lost crucial time after the summer road, finishing the morning run trailing by 1.86 seconds. As the first run concluded, he was in 16th place, and he realized he needed an outstanding second run to replicate his Palisades Tahoe success.

The Aspen Strawpile GS race slope boasted perfect conditions, challenging racers with a diverse array of giant slalom skiing tests. Every start position saw rewards for exceptional skiing. Yet, with seven of the first 30 racers unable to finish and one who did not start, there was ample opportunity for later starters to secure a spot in the afternoon finale.

Other North Americans

Unfortunately, Stifel US Ski Team’s Tommy Ford could not finish the Strawpile GS course. Tommy is in a tight battle for a spot in the World Cup finals and will rely on strong performances in the final two regular-season races to secure his place in the Saalbach finals on March 16th.

Canada’s veteran Erik Read continues to search for his best form. Today, he crossed the finish with the second slowest time at that point of the race and finished the morning 24th (+2.63).

Radamus and Read will be the only North Americans in the second run.

Late starter success

Today, eight athletes with bibs above 30 could qualify for the afternoon finale. The fastest was bib 32 France’s Victor Muffat-Jeandet 11th (+1.18). Switzerland’s bib 62 Luca Aerni, 30th (+3.05), was the racer last to qualify. There were 24 racers who could not finish.

Notably, bib 46 former Montana State athlete Australian Louis Mullen-Schulte qualified for his first World Cup second run.

As the excitement builds for the second run, with Odermatt leading the charge, the stage is set for a thrilling podium battle. Radamus and Read represent North America in the face of tough competition. With opportunities opening up for late starters, the afternoon finale promises to be a captivating showdown. Stay tuned as the world’s top skiers vie for victory in the Stifel Aspen Winternational GS race.

Top 30 first-run results and analysis of the fastest three and other North Americans who qualified for the finale

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The analysis of the fastest three and other North Americans who qualified for the finale