Swiss skier Marco Odermatt triumphed over local favorite Marco Schwarz to secure victory in the men’s World Cup giant slalom opener in Sölden, Austria. Odermatt extended his lead from the first run by 0.24 seconds to claim his 46th career win, with Schwarz settling for second place. It marked Schwarz’s return to the podium after a long absence due to injuries.
Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath finished in third place, closely behind Schwarz. Despite challenging weather conditions, including low visibility and snowfall, Odermatt praised the course workers for their efforts and expressed satisfaction with his performance.
The second run was delayed for an hour to clear fresh snow from the track and improve visibility. Odermatt commended the fairness of the conditions and his preference for challenging races. Despite a strong showing by Austrian skiers, Schwarz narrowly missed securing a victory for the host nation.
Canadian skiers Erik Read and William St-Germain faced tough competition, with Read placing 37th and St-Germain finishing in 60th position. Odermatt’s rivalry with Schwarz has been a highlight in recent seasons, with Odermatt consistently excelling in giant slalom events.
Several notable skiers, including Aleksander Steen Olsen and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, were absent or faced challenges during the race. The competition showcased top talent, with skiers like Raphael Haaser and Alexis Pinturault delivering solid performances.
The men’s World Cup season will continue with a slalom event in Levi, Finland, on November 16. Fans can catch the action live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.