Marco Odermatt has reached new heights in his skiing career by clinching his 41st World Cup win at the giant slalom event in Alta Badia, marking his fourth consecutive victory at the Gran Risa. On December 22, 2024, Odermatt solidified his status as the most successful male Swiss skier by surpassing the legendary Pirmin Zurbriggen's record, and he did it with style, finishing with the fastest time on the challenging course.
Facing tough conditions on the Gran Risa, Odermatt entered the second run trailing behind the leaders. His initial performance left him in third place, but he turned it all around with an electrifying second run, demonstrating his skill and determination. With his winning time of 2:31.45, Odermatt placed 0.85 seconds ahead of French skier Léo Anguenot, who finished second, and Alexander Steen Olsen from Norway, who took third, just 0.88 seconds off the pace.
"It was another great second run which really gave me confidence to attack after seeing the course conditions improved. I was aware of the challenges, but I managed to push through," Odermatt stated after the race. His emphatic victory not only marks another addition to his impressive accolades but also highlights his adaptability and excellence on the slopes.
The ski conditions on the day of the race raised concerns among many competitors. The surface was critiqued for being treacherous, with several athletes debating prior to the start whether to compete at all. Many claimed the quality of the snow was insufficient, stating, "90 percent had expressed doubts about racing," according to Thomas Tumler. Even with these conditions, the racers took to the icy slope.
Despite the risks, Odermatt showcased his mastery of the giant slalom, receiving the highest accolades from spectators and fellow racers alike. He expressed gratitude for his achievements and humility about surpassing Zurbriggen, saying, "Pirmin was the legend from before my time, and what he did for Swiss skiing continues to inspire us today. I’m incredibly proud to now hold this record." This victory not only marks Odermatt’s milestone but also establishes him as the athlete to watch as he aims to challenge the all-time winner tally of Lara Gut-Behrami and Vreni Schneider, who both have achieved 45 and 55 wins respectively.
Léo Anguenot celebrated his first-ever podium finish, marking a significant milestone for the 26-year-old French skier. "This is unbelievable! I’ve been working hard and to finally put together two solid runs feels amazing," he exclaimed after his second place finish. His performance, which saw him jump from his initial starting position, earned him recognition as a rising star within the skiing community.
The third-place athlete, Alexander Steen Olsen, similarly praised the competitive nature of the sport, admitting the challenging conditions affected many racers. “The second run was tough, but I’m pleased with my performance. It was satisfying to compete at such high levels once again after my knee issues,” he revealed.
The race not only highlights individual performances but also casts light on how the challenging conditions separated the elite from the rest. Several athletes struggled to find their pace, with Gino Caviezel as the next highest-ranking Swiss at 12th place, followed by Loïc Meillard finishing 16th, and Luca Aerni at 17th.
Looking forward, the excitement continues as racers prepare for the next technical challenges. After the holiday break, the circuit moves on, with races scheduled at Bormio on December 28 and 29 where skiers will compete in more downhill and super-G events.
This thrilling race exemplified the spirit of competition, where athletes push the envelope not only for personal achievement but also to honor the legacy of those who paved the way for the sport. Marco Odermatt's record-breaking triumph serves as both inspiration and motivation for his peers, as they look to take on the slopes the following season.
