Marco Odermatt reminded the ski world why he is the undisputed king of giant slalom, storming to a commanding lead after the opening run on the legendary Birds of Prey course in Beaver Creek.
The Swiss superstar, hunting a record-extending 30th World Cup victory in the discipline, laid down a near-perfect run on the demanding, icy pitch, blending raw power with surgical precision. Odermatt crossed the line in 1:09.87, leaving the chasing pack scrambling for answers.
In a dramatic twist, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen – now racing for Brazil – and Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen posted identical times of +0.86 seconds, sharing second place and setting up a mouthwatering showdown in the decisive second run. The duo attacked the steep middle section with ferocious intent, with Braathen continuing his sensational return to the World Cup circuit after his flag switch and Kristoffersen showing vintage aggression.
Behind the leading trio, Loïc Meillard (SUI) sits fourth at +1.02, while Croatian sensation Filip Zubčić rounds out the top five at +1.17. Pre-race favorite and defending overall champion Henrik Kristoffersen will have to dig deep from bib 3 in the final run if he wants to deny Odermatt yet again.
The floodlights will be on for the second run under clear Colorado skies, with reverse-30 order starting at 13:00 local time (21:00 CET).
First Run Standings – Top 5
Marco Odermatt (SUI) – 1:09.87
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) +0.86
Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) +0.86
Loïc Meillard (SUI) +1.02
Filip Zubčić (CRO) +1.17
Can anyone stop the Odermatt express? Thirty bibs will try tonight on one of the most iconic giant slalom hills in the world.
