Third Giant Slalom of the season and third win for Marco Odermatt. The 26-year-old skier from Nidwalden continued his dominance in the Giant Slalom discipline on the Gran Risa racecourse on Monday. He finished 1.05 seconds ahead of Marco Schwarz, and +1.22 seconds ahead of Zan Kranjec.
He claimed his 27th Alpine Ski World Cup victory. He has won on the the technically demanding Gran Risa for the 4th time.
Since Lenzerheide in March 2021, Marco Odermatt was on the podium in all the Giant Slalom races he has competed winning 15 of them. Since December 7, 2020, in Santa Caterina Odermatt has won 17 Giant Slalom events in the World Cup. Among Swiss men, only von Michael von Grünigen (23) won more Men's Giant Slalom World Cup events than Odermatt.
With his 17th victory in this discipline is only one win short to tie to Alexis Pinturault who has won 18 World Cup Giant Slalom events, ranking him fifth all-time among men.
"Yes, I was a bit tactical, especially the first section, which I don’t really like. Being first and cross the finish line in such a setting is a moment to enjoy. The races are definitely not a sure-fire success, I'm happy that the Christmas holidays are starting", Odermatt said.
Marco Schwarz finished in second place achieving his fifth Giant Slalom podium of his career. It's his second podium of the season in the discipline, he had already finished second in Val d’Isère. It's his 22nd Alpine Ski World Cup podium.
"Today my skiing was significantly better than yesterday, which makes things more fun. Hats off to Odermatt's performance. He's the strongest for probably two years or maybe more. I'm trying my best and maybe I will catch him one day. Now I'm looking forward to the classic in Madonna", Schwarz said.
Like yesterday, Zan Kranjec rounded up the podium in third position. It's his 13th podium in the World Cup, all in the Giant Salom. He has finished on the podium five times in the Dolomites ski resort.
"Two days in a row on the podium is really good. It's hard to believe to have a better two days of racing than it was yesterday and today", Kranjec said.