In a stunning finish on the classic Gran Risa course at Alta Badia, Marco Schwarz captured the World Cup giant slalom title, beating the season’s dominant skier Marco Odermatt by 0.18 seconds.
Dominant Presence of Marco Odermatt
The Swiss star, who has won five of the past six giant slaloms, entered the race with a formidable record. Odermatt had already secured a downhill win and a runner-up finish in a super-G during a three-day speed-race program at nearby Val Gardena, and he had finished sixth in the Alta Badia run, trailing Schwarz’s two-run time by 0.82 seconds. The Swiss skier showed a rare flash of anger as he crossed the finish line, a moment that underscored the intensity of the competition.
The Rise of Marco Schwarz
Wearing start bib No. 1, the 30-year-old Austrian protected his first-run lead from start to finish. Schwarz’s two-run time was 0.18 seconds faster than that of Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil, who finished second. “This victory means a lot to me,” Schwarz said, after hugging third-placed teammate Stefan Brennsteiner in the finish area. “It’s good for the soul, good for the whole team,” he added. The win was Schwarz’s seventh career World Cup victory and his second in giant slalom. His previous GS win came in February 2023 at Palisades Tahoe in California.
Pinheiro Braathen, who had previously raced for Norway in 2022 before switching to Brazil, had been the only other racer to win an Alta Badia giant slalom since Odermatt’s winning run began in December 2021. The Brazilian also secured his country’s first World Cup win last month in a slalom.
A Return for Russian Skier
The race also marked the first appearance of a Russian skier in a men’s World Cup event in nearly four years. 35-year-old Aleksander Andrienko, who was given approved neutral status by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation this month, started with bib No. 39. He finished 52nd-fastest, more than one second outside the top-30 times that qualify for a second run. Neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus must compete without their national identity, team colours or flag.
Missing Olympic Contender
Alexander Steen Olsen was absent from the lineup after opting for season-ending knee surgery to address a persistent injury. The Norwegian had been a two-time World Cup giant slalom winner last season and was considered a medal contender for the upcoming Olympics. Odermatt, the Olympic champion in giant slalom, remains the top favourite for the Games.
Key Takeaways
- Marco Schwarz wins his seventh World Cup title and second giant slalom victory, finishing 0.18 seconds ahead of Lucas Pinheiro Braathen.
- Marco Odermatt, despite recent speed-race success, finished sixth and displayed visible frustration.
- Russian skier Aleksander Andrienko competes as a neutral athlete, finishing 52nd-fastest.
The victory for Schwarz not only adds another feather to his already impressive résumé but also highlights the depth of talent on the men’s alpine circuit. With Odermatt still holding a substantial lead in the overall standings and the Olympic Games on the horizon, the 2025 season promises further drama and excitement for fans worldwide.
