The technical weekend in Alta Badia delivered two thrilling races: Marco Schwarz (AUT) ended Marco Odermatt’s (SUI) giant slalom dominance with a victory in 2:35.02, while Atle Lie McGrath (NOR) won the slalom in 1:44.50. These races, the last before the Christmas break, revealed unexpected performances (e.g., Fabian Gratz’s 5th place) and disappointments (e.g., Henrik Kristoffersen’s 11th place in slalom). Giant Slalom Results | Slalom Results.
Giant Slalom: Schwarz’s Emotional Comeback
Marco Schwarz (AUT) secured an emotional victory in the giant slalom (2:35.02), his first since February 2023 after a serious knee injury. “This victory means so much to me. It’s been a long time, it’s good for the soul and for the whole team,” he said, visibly moved. The demanding Gran Risa course, set by American coach Nate Bryant, caught many favorites off guard, including Marco Odermatt (6th), who had won the last five editions.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA, 2nd, +0.18) and Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT, 3rd, +0.22) completed the podium. Fabian Gratz (GER), starting 29th, posted the fastest second run to finish 5th (+0.48). “The second run was perfect for me,” he said.
- Marco SCHWARZ (AUT) – 2:35.02
- Lucas PINHEIRO BRAATHEN (BRA) – +0.18
- Stefan BRENNSTEINER (AUT) – +0.22
- Atle Lie McGRATH (NOR) – +0.46
- Fabian GRATZ (GER) – +0.48 (+24 places!)
Odermatt (6th): “A 6th place isn’t so bad.”
Slalom: McGrath’s Perfect Run
Atle Lie McGrath (NOR) won the slalom (1:44.50), his 4th World Cup victory, ahead of Clément Noël (FRA, +0.30) and Loïc Meillard (SUI, +0.39). McGrath delivered a flawless second run: “He skied like he was cast in a mold, with perfect carve pressure,” noted observers. Clément Noël, leading after the first run, lost 30 hundredths: “I’m a bit disappointed with my second run. I felt like I was losing grip.”
- Atle Lie McGRATH (NOR) – 1:44.50
- Clément NOËL (FRA) – +0.30
- Loïc MEILLARD (SUI) – +0.39
- Timon HAUGAN (NOR) – +0.53
- Lucas PINHEIRO BRAATHEN (BRA) – +0.64
McGrath: “I knew I had a good lead, but it felt slow at the finish.”
Standings: Odermatt Still Leads, Brennsteiner Takes Giant Slalom Lead
In the overall standings, Marco Odermatt (SUI, 805 pts) maintains a comfortable lead over Marco Schwarz (351 pts) and Henrik Kristoffersen (335 pts). In giant slalom, Stefan Brennsteiner (305 pts) overtakes Odermatt (300 pts), while in slalom, Timon Haugan (320 pts) leads ahead of Kristoffersen.
Overall
- Marco Odermatt (SUI) – 805 pts
- Marco Schwarz (AUT) – 351 pts
- Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) – 335 pts
Giant Slalom
- Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT) – 305 pts
- Marco Odermatt (SUI) – 300 pts
- Marco Schwarz (AUT) – 280 pts
Slalom
- Timon Haugan (NOR) – 320 pts
- Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) – 310 pts
- Clément Noël (FRA) – 290 pts
Next Up: Christmas Break and Livigno
The skiers now enjoy a Christmas break before resuming competition on December 27 in Livigno (super-G). The next technical races will be held in early January, with a night slalom in Alta Badia on January 7. Odermatt and Schwarz will be ones to watch in speed events, while McGrath and Noël aim to confirm their slalom form.
- Schwarz: Emotional first win since 2023.
- McGrath: Perfect slalom run for 4th career win.
- Odermatt: 6th in GS, but still overall leader.
- Gratz: Historic +24 place comeback.
- Next: Super-G in Livigno (12/27).