In a jaw-dropping twist at the 2025-26 FIS Alpine World Cup Finals, the unbeatable Marco Odermatt crashed out of the decisive giant slalom on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Hafjell (near Lillehammer, Norway), handing Lucas Pinheiro Braathen a golden opportunity to claim his first-ever GS Crystal Globe.
Odermatt, who entered the race with a 48-point lead over the Brazilian Olympic champion, pushed aggressively on the tricky, slushy spring snow. He was fastest in the opening sector but lost control in the second, launching into the air after a big recovery and missing the next gate for a heartbreaking DNF.
“I took the risk and tried to fully attack one last time… it was probably too much. With those rolls, when you don’t really know how fast you go over them, it’s easy to be just a little late,” Odermatt said afterward. He added philosophically: “I’ve dealt with it quite well. I’ve won so many races, so many globes, so many medals. Now I lost one, but that’s life.
Pinheiro Braathen, skiing with bib 4, delivered a composed and aggressive first run to take the lead in 1:11.24. Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT) sits second (+0.21), Loïc Meillard (SUI) third (+0.63), with the second run still to come. The Brazilian now only needs a 4th-place finish or better to clinch the title in what would be a historic moment for South American skiing.
The Swiss superstar had already locked up the Overall World Cup (his fifth straight), Super G, and Downhill Globes this season, but the GS battle stayed alive until this dramatic finale. Odermatt called his GS campaign “so-so” yet highlighted standout wins like his fifth consecutive triumph in Adelboden and an Olympic silver. He praised his rival: “Lucas is an amazing athlete… He’s good enough to win these things.
This stunning turn has the alpine world buzzing — the king of GS has fallen, and a new champion may be crowned on Norwegian snow. Second run updates coming soon. Who takes the Globe? 🔥
