Marco vs Marco: The Battle of the Marcos
SÖLDEN, Austria — Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt has shone as soon as once more on the Rettenbach Glacier, mastering the shortened, demanding second run with calm dedication. After failing to complete right here final season, he returned centered on redemption—attacking the course with management and energy. His composed snowboarding carried him to victory on a weekend when the world’s finest needed to battle each the course and the climate.
The race become a battle of Marcos — Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt and Austria’s Marco Schwarz. The house crowd hoped for a second straight Austrian victory, however Schwarz needed to accept second as Odermatt powered to the win. Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath, a part of final 12 months’s Norwegian-podium sweep, delivered a robust second run to say third, proving that even in troublesome situations, the most effective can nonetheless discover their rhythm.
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Improved Circumstances and a Dash to the End
The second run was delayed by climate, however by afternoon the clouds started to raise, and visibility improved. Racers might lastly see the course clearly and assault with confidence. With drones within the air and lightweight breaking by way of, the ambiance lifted too — energizing the sector for a full-throttle cost down the Rettenbach Glacier. The Sölden crew saved the piste agency regardless of recent snow and difficult situations, creating the stage for an exhilarating second-run showcase.
The second run become a dash, demanding an all-out assault from begin to end. Inconsistent winds — together with a headwind on the flats — added one other layer of problem. The course, set by Swiss coach Renzo Valsecchi, gave Odermatt confidence heading into the afternoon, and plenty of racers responded with sooner, extra aggressive snowboarding than of their first run.
Radamus Faces a Difficult Second Run
River Radamus, the lone North American within the prime 30, got here out aggressively within the second run however struggled to search out his rhythm on the quick observe. Pushing too exhausting from the beginning, he made pricey errors, dropping time on the important pitch-into-flat part. After the race, River mirrored, “I wished extra. I felt like I ready rather well. Coming in right here, I feel I’m snowboarding the most effective I’ve ever skied. I didn’t put it collectively as we speak, however I’m not going to alter course now. I really feel like the entire staff is transferring in the correct path. We’re carrying a number of momentum in coaching and it’s all the time a unique beast to place collectively within the race, however we’re all wanting ahead to getting on snow in Colorado and attempting to defend residence soil.” Whereas his second run didn’t land him within the outcomes he hoped for, River demonstrated dedication and poise, and he’ll look to regroup for upcoming races.
The following stretch of the World Cup gives an opportunity for a home-soil rebound. The upcoming large slalom at Copper Mountain is simply 40 minutes from his dad and mom’ residence, adopted carefully by Beaver Creek, solely 10 minutes away. Few racers shall be extra motivated than him when the tour returns to Colorado, racing on acquainted slopes with household and mates cheering from close by.
Odermatt Chasing One other Huge Crystal Globe
Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt (Stöckli) began the season on a excessive word, exhibiting confidence and precision in Sölden. “It’s the right begin into a brand new season,” Odermatt stated. “You all the time give so much throughout summer time, and also you don’t actually know the place you’re earlier than the primary race. So this is superb for entering into the season and having that confidence again — an ideal begin.” He added, “On the finish of final season, GS bought a little bit harder for me, so I actually centered once more on GS throughout prep. It was value it, and I’ll take the nice feeling and the pace into the following races.”
Racing on Stöckli skis, Marco Odermatt isn’t simply defending his title — he’s chasing a fifth straight general Crystal Globe. One other large slalom Globe in 2025 would tie him with American nice Ted Ligety for third on the all-time checklist with 5, whereas fellow famous person Marcel Hirscher (NED) stays in pursuit of Ingemar Stenmark’s report of seven. Odermatt’s sturdy begin in Sölden units the tone for an additional thrilling season as he balances his chase for each general and self-discipline glory.
Notable Features in a Aggressive Discipline
A number of athletes made massive strikes within the second run. Italy’s Alex Vinatzer charged from bib 22 to complete eighth, whereas Austria’s Raphael Haaser impressed on his new Atomic gear, climbing from bib 16 to sixth. Germany additionally delivered, placing 4 racers within the factors regardless of the demanding situations. France’s 19-year-old Flavio Vitale made a robust assertion, leaping from bib 33 to tenth — proof that he’s one to look at within the seasons forward.
Sölden Delivers Pleasure and Drama in Males’s GS Opener
The second run in Sölden rewarded aggressive, well-timed snowboarding and showcased Europe’s deep subject of expertise. With Marco Odermatt taking the win and several other younger racers making daring strikes, the lads’s World Cup opener set the tone for an thrilling season forward. Robust situations, a shortened course, and shifting climate created an exhilarating combine the place full dedication — and expertise — made the distinction.
Race Outcomes
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Second Run Evaluation: Prime Three and Different North Individuals
