Swiss skiing sensation Marco Odermatt showcased his dominance once again by clinching a historic fifth consecutive victory at the Adelboden giant slalom event. Despite challenging weather conditions with snowfall and decreased visibility, Olympic giant slalom champion Odermatt maintained his first-run lead to secure the win, finishing 0.49 seconds ahead of Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen. France’s Leo Anguenot claimed the third spot, trailing by 0.68 seconds.
Pinheiro Braathen, acknowledging Odermatt’s prowess, praised the Swiss skier as the “king of the hill,” expressing his admiration for competing against him in one of the most thrilling races on the circuit. Odermatt’s triumph in Adelboden marked his fifth consecutive giant slalom victory since 2022, surpassing the legendary Swedish skier Ingemar Stenmark’s four-win streak from 1979 to 1982.
Describing Adelboden as his “first love” and a special place close to his heart since childhood, Odermatt expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the energetic crowd of approximately 25,000 fans, who fueled his performance on the slopes. The race day commenced with a moment of silence to honor the victims of a tragic fire in a nearby town.
In a standout season for Odermatt, the reigning overall champion has continued his exceptional form, amassing a significant lead in race points over his closest rival, Pinheiro Braathen. With his sixth victory of the season, Odermatt’s career tally now stands at 51 wins, placing him fourth on the all-time list and 29 wins in giant slalom alone.
Pinheiro Braathen, who previously faced setbacks at Adelboden due to injuries, expressed his pride and gratitude for overcoming his challenges and achieving success on the renowned course. The Adelboden giant slalom, a historic event dating back to 1967, has seen legends like Jean-Claude Killy triumph on its iconic Chuenisbaergli course, known for its rolling terrain and exhilarating final descent.
While Odermatt will skip the upcoming slalom event, Pinheiro Braathen is set to continue his strong performance, aiming to defend his title from the previous year.
