In a thrilling start to the iconic men’s giant slalom at Adelboden, Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt—affectionately known as “Odi”—has once again demonstrated his dominance on the demanding Chuenisbärgli course. The four-time defending World Cup overall champion posted the fastest time in the first run on January 10, 2026, positioning himself ideally for a potential historic fifth consecutive victory in this classic event.
Odermatt navigated the challenging conditions of steady falling snow and reduced visibility with remarkable precision, building a solid 0.49-second lead over his closest challengers. Despite a minor error near the finish that cost him about two-tenths of a second, his performance electrified the home crowd and underscored why he remains the skier to beat in giant slalom.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil slotted into second place after the morning run, with Norway’s Timon Haugan rounding out the top three, just 0.53 seconds off the pace. The afternoon second run promises high drama, as first-run leaders at Adelboden often face shifting light and variable snow when starting later in the day.
This race holds special significance for Odermatt, who has won the Adelboden giant slalom every year since 2022—matching the legendary four-win streak set by Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark from 1979 to 1982. A victory today would see him etch his name in the history books as the first skier to claim five straight titles on this storied Swiss slope.
The event carries added emotional weight this year, with the Swiss ski community rallying in solidarity following a recent tragedy in Crans-Montana. Odermatt and his teammates have dedicated their performances to those affected, aiming to bring joy and distraction to fans amid difficult times.
Stay tuned for the decisive second run—live results are available on the FIS App 📲. Can Odermatt complete the historic quintuple and light up Adelboden once more?
