Marco Odermatt Hits Hard as Aleksander Kilde Faces Major Upset at Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24

The Swiss speed discipline alpine ski racer Marco Odermatt has not let anybody doubt his finesse. On the final day of the 2023 Saslong Classic at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24, the 26-year-old faced a major upset in his strong suit. Therefore, the podium went to his rival, Alexander Kilde. But the same can’t be said after the current Giant Slalom standings.

Serving as one of the major highlights for all ski enthusiasts, the Gran Risa slope in La Villa, Alta Badia, is hosting its Giant Slalom event, spanning over two days. Top skiers from all over have girded up to clock their personal best times and secure a podium. But after the first-day event on Monday, the alpine skiing grandee topped the chart with his groundbreaking maneuvers.

Marco Odermatt left Kilde behind

According to the recent standings of the Giant Slalom first-day event, the Olympic GS gold medalist outclassed his competitors. Especially Alexander Kilde, who finished 2.88 behind Odermatt, who walked home with a remarkable 1:14:83. Croatian skier Filip Zubcic is trailing behind the dominator in second with +0.31. In the third place, the Austrian athlete Marco Schwarz stood with +0.36.

Coming back to Odermatt and his beloved Giant Slalom, it’s unlikely for anyone to beat him in his metier. He currently stands atop with a record 16 Giant Slalom World Cup race victories, followed by Super-G as his second strong element. But the most remarkable point is, with this GS win in Alta Badia, Odermatt snatched his third consecutive win in the same venue and discipline.

Though the second day event is still a pretty highly anticipated one, let’s look back at the 2022 World Cup. More specifically, at the 26-year-old’s thundering GS run.

Odermatt’s 2022 World Cup winning stride

On December 19, 2022, the Olympic gold medalist swept off his rivals’ feet with the Giant Slalom title clinch. Moreover, he made his presence felt more, as he was not initially sailing smooth. But, despite some wobbly moments, he had extended his WC points over speed specialist Kilde with 271. With that win, he also secured three out of four GS wins that season.

After the well-served victory, Odermatt voiced to FIS, “This was probably the biggest fight ever. I was so so tired already at the start and it didn’t get better. Henrik did a good job as well. It was a tight battle again but luckily it went for me this time.”

READ MORE: New Skiing Hero Born With Historic First Win At Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24

Tomorrow being the last day of the 2023 GS event in Alta Badia, it’s just a question of time to see who defeats whom.

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