Swiss ski star Marco Odermatt is poised to make history at the World Cup giant slalom in Adelboden, aiming for a record fifth consecutive victory in this prestigious event. On Saturday, January 7, 2024, Odermatt navigated challenging conditions—steady snowfall and reduced visibility—to secure a lead of 0.49 seconds after the first run. Despite a rare mistake that cost him approximately two-tenths of a second near the finish line, his performance places him in a strong position heading into the second run.
Trailing behind Odermatt, Brazilian racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen finished with the second-fastest time, while Timon Haugan from Norway took third place, needing to make up 0.53 seconds in the afternoon run. The competition at Adelboden is particularly intense, as first-run leaders often face fading light during their second run, typically scheduled after 14:00 when the sun sets behind the surrounding mountains.
The overcast conditions added to the challenge for all competitors, with the snow surface described by Odermatt as “not easy.” Only five racers managed to finish their first runs within one second of the Olympic giant slalom champion’s time, underscoring the difficulty of the course.
Odermatt’s dominance at Adelboden is notable; he has claimed victory at this venue every year since 2022. By matching the four-win streak of Swedish legend Ingemar Stenmark, who won from 1979 to 1982, Odermatt is on the brink of solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in alpine skiing.
The giant slalom in Adelboden has been a staple on the men’s World Cup calendar since its inception in January 1967, when it was first won by iconic skier Jean-Claude Killy. The Chuenisbaergli course, known for its rolling terrain over former summer cow pastures, presents unique challenges. Skiers experience a sharp ascent before entering a steep final slope that leads to a lively finish area, typically filled with around 25,000 spectators.
Before the races commenced, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims of a tragic fire at a bar in nearby Crans-Montana, which will host World Cup races in three weeks’ time. This solemn moment highlighted the community’s solidarity and respect for those affected.
As the afternoon run approaches, all eyes remain on Odermatt as he strives to achieve yet another remarkable milestone in his career, further enriching the storied history of alpine skiing in Switzerland.
