Alta Badia GS Showdown: Odermatt Chases History

Alta Badia’s Gran Risa Photo Jani Hladnik

Who is skiing, when and how to watch the Monday, December 18th Alta Badia GS

Get set for tomorrow’s Monday Alta Badia GS after today’s heart-pounding race, where Marco Odermatt clinched his thrilling 16th World Cup GS victory. The Gran Risa slope witnessed Odermatt’s dominance again, with Filip Zubcic providing a fierce challenge. Although River Radamus from the Stifel’s US Ski Team faced a harsh outcome, his teammate Tommy Ford showcased remarkable grit, securing a commendable 9th place.

Nestled in the stunning Dolomite mountains of Südtirol, Gran Risa has been a cornerstone in World Cup alpine skiing since 1985. Tomorrow’s GS promises an electrifying spectacle as top performers like Kristoffersen and Schwarz aim to challenge Odermatt’s lead. It’s a battle for supremacy on one of the most iconic and challenging race venues in ski racing.

Joan Verdu, the Andorran sensation, brings momentum from the previous races, heightening the excitement. As racers prepare for tomorrow’s giant slalom, the fatigue factor comes into play, especially for Odermatt, who will compete for victory for the fifth consecutive day. Also, keep an eye on Marco Schwarz and James Crawford as they navigate the challenges of Gran Risa on their fifth straight day of racing.

Join us for another thrilling chapter in Gran Risa’s storied history, where champions rise and the FIS ski racing circus unfolds its legacy in the heart of Alta Badia. Don’t miss the action of tomorrow’s GS, where skill, agility, and determination will shape the outcome on the renowned Gran Risa slope.

Top-ranked 2023-24 men’s GS skiers after the first Alta Badia WC GS

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North American men in the Alta Badia Giant Slalom who have scored World Cup GS points this season.

The ten North Americans entered in the December 18th Alta Badia Giant Slalom

• Bib 16, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 21, Tommy Ford, Stifel USST, Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, HEAD
• Bib 23, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX, Level GlovesAtomic, UVEX
• Bib 31, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 33, George Steffey, Stifel USST, Stratton Mountain School, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, Level Gloves
• Bib 38, Isaiah Nelson, Stifel USST, Buck Hill Ski Team, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 40, Brian McLaughlin, Stifel USST invitee, Dartmouth College, GMVS, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, TOKO, SYNC
• Bib 41, Asher Jordan, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 51, Liam Wallace, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers, University of Alaska Anchorage, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 55, Patrick Kenney, Global Racing, University of New Hampshire, Burke Moutain Academy, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, TOKO, SYNC

Sixty-nine athletes representing 21 nations will race in Sunday’s Alta Badia World Cup GS.

Marcel Hirscher’s Alta Badia legacy

Marcel Hirscher, an Austrian skiing legend, left an indelible mark on the Gran Risa with a remarkable achievement – winning six consecutive GS races from 2013 to 2018. His dominance on this iconic slope was unparalleled. 2018, Hirscher added to his legacy with a victory in a Parallel GS event, showcasing his versatility. Tomorrow, Marco Odermatt, aiming for his fourth Gran Risa victory, follows in the footsteps of Hirscher. The Austrian master’s incredible success serves as inspiration, setting the stage for an exciting showdown as Odermatt seeks to etch his name further into the records of Gran Risa history. Get ready for another thrilling chapter on the legendary slope!

Brief history of the region

Around 9,000 years ago, the first humans, hunters, and gatherers discovered Val Badia Valley. Fast forward to the Roman conquest 2,000 years ago, and the Ladins saw a transformative period. Despite the fall of the Roman Empire and subsequent threats, the Ladins held onto their identity in the mountainous Dolomite valleys. There are still echoes of the First World War. Then, the emergence of tour tourism in the 18th century and the post-World War I revival shaped Alta Badia into a renowned international destination, balancing modern life with its rich cultural heritage.

When and how to watch the Monday, December 18th Alta Badia World Cup giant slalom (GS)

The first run of the Giant Slalom begins at 4:00 am Eastern time and 1:00 am Pacific time. The second run is scheduled to air at 7:30 am Eastern time and 4:30 am Pacific time.

In Canada: CBC Sports will have live-streaming

In the United States, Ski and Snowboard Live will offer a live and full replay with English announcers.

Start list and program for the Monday, December 18th Alta Badia Giant Slalom

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Program for the December 18th Alta Badia Giant Slalom