Italian skier Mattia Casse celebrated his first World Cup victory during the Super-G race at the Saslong course in Val Gardena, Italy, on December 20, 2024, clocking in at 1:28.23 minutes. Casse's triumph was particularly thrilling as he narrowly edged out American Jared Goldberg, who finished just one hundredth of a second behind, and Swiss powerhouse Marco Odermatt, who took third place, 0.43 seconds adrift.
The race unfolded under challenging weather conditions, characterized by light snowfall and gusty winds, which demanded peak concentration from the competitors. Despite the difficulties, the Saslong was managed well, with the organizers commending its relatively good condition considering the circumstances.
This marked not only Casse’s first World Cup win at age 34, but it also punctuated his long road to the top after having previously stood on the podium three times without securing victory. Reflecting on his performance, Casse acknowledged, “I know my potential under these conditions; you shouldn’t drive too aggressively.” His strategy paid off, allowing him to navigate the tricky sections with agility and skill.
Goldberg's remarkable performance also deserves recognition as he clinched his first podium finish. His second-place run was bolstered by the best time in the final segment of the race, showcasing his prowess on the demanding terrain.
Completing the podium was Marco Odermatt, who had high hopes of clinching victory but faced the harsh realities of the winds disrupting his pacing. After the race, Odermatt stated, “You can lose time without really making mistakes,” highlighting the unpredictable conditions of the course.
The presence of new snow added to the complexity of the course, affecting visibility and grip, especially during the upper segments of the Saslong, leading to several near-misses and bold maneuvers by the competitors. Fredrik Moeller from Norway finished fourth, showcasing speed and control under difficult circumstances. Meanwhile, Lars Rösti from Switzerland made waves by finishing eighth, achieving his best World Cup result.
Notably, the race also took a serious turn when Austrian skier Daniel Danklmaier suffered a crash mid-race, causing significant concern. Fortunately, after being examined for knee injuries, he was diagnosed with severe bruises and cleared of serious damage, allowing him to recover without needing extensive medical intervention.
With these results, the World Cup standings saw changes, with Marco Odermatt retaining his lead with 160 points but facing fierce competition from Casse, who jumped to second with 115 points. The standings reflect the tight contest developing this season, particularly as each race brings fresh challenges and thrilling outcomes.
The next Super-G Männer race will take place on the Stelvio piste in Bormio on December 29, 2024. Known for its steep inclines and technical demands, this course promises to test the athletes' skills to the utmost, setting the stage for what could be another gripping encounter.
All eyes will be on Casse to see if he can maintain his form and build on this incredible win, and whether Odermatt can secure his first victory at Val Gardena. The excitement surrounding the upcoming events guarantees ski enthusiasts will be tuning in for more thrilling action.
