Swiss ski star Marco Odermatt is on track to secure his fifth consecutive victory at the prestigious Adelboden giant slalom, a record in the event’s history. Competing under challenging conditions of steady snowfall and poor visibility on January 6, 2024, Odermatt completed the first run with a time that placed him 0.49 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, despite experiencing a rare mistake that cost him valuable time near the finish line.
With Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil finishing second and Timon Haugan of Norway in third, the competition remains fierce. Braathen trails Odermatt by 0.53 seconds, making the afternoon run a crucial opportunity for both him and Haugan. Typically, racers at Adelboden face the additional challenge of diminishing light during their second run, especially after 14:00 local time, when the sun sets behind the surrounding mountains.
The conditions on the slopes were less than ideal, as Odermatt noted that the snow surface was not easy to navigate. Only five racers managed to finish the first run within a second of his time, underscoring the difficulty of the course. Odermatt has dominated the Adelboden giant slalom since 2022, matching the four-win streak set by Swedish skiing legend Ingemar Stenmark from 1979 to 1982.
Adelboden’s Rich Skiing History
The Adelboden giant slalom has been an integral part of the men’s World Cup calendar since its inaugural race in January 1967. The first winner was another skiing icon, Jean-Claude Killy. The Chuenisbaergli course, known for its rolling terrain over former cow pastures, presents a unique challenge. Skiers must navigate a rise before tackling a steep final slope that funnels into a finish area typically packed with around 25,000 spectators for Saturday races.
Before the competition commenced, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims of a tragic fire at a bar in nearby Crans-Montana. This location is set to host World Cup races later this month, adding a somber note to the day’s events.
As the anticipation builds for the second run, fans and competitors alike are focused on whether Odermatt can extend his remarkable winning streak and etch his name further into the annals of skiing history. The world will be watching closely as he aims not only for victory but to make history at this iconic event.
