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Odermatt writes history in Santa Caterina

Dec 07, 2020·Alpine Skiing
SANTA CATERINA, ITALY - DECEMBER 7: Marco Odermatt of Switzerland takes 1st place during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Giant Slalom on December 7, 2020 in Santa Caterina Italy. (Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom)

It was definitely worth the wait! Once again the crew in Santa Caterina did an outstanding job in preparing the slope despite the adverse weather conditions of the last three days. This made an incredibly exciting race possible, which saw Marco Odermatt (SUI) walk away with the first Giant Slalom victory of his career.

Already leading after run 1, Odermatt was able to handle the pressure and skied a stunning second run, finishing 0.73s ahead of runner-up Tommy Ford (USA). Zubcic finished third, celebrating the second podium in this long Italian weekend. 
 
Odermatt made his whole nation proud, becoming the first Swiss man to win a World Cup Giant Slalom since Carlo Janka back in 2011. Seeing the incredible performance he delivered, it was definitely worth the wait. Not only was he able to keep the Giant Slalom red bib, he also took the lead in the Overall World Cup.

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Tommy Ford was fourth after run 1 but managed to jump on the podium thanks to a convincing second run. The American scored his third Giant Slalom World Cup podium and his second-best result after winning in Beaver Creek last season.

The master of comebacks is definitely Filip Zubcic. The Croatian athlete was only 21st after run 1, but registered the fastest time in run 1, climbing up 18 positions and finishing third!

Once again, Alexis Pinturault (FRA) and Henrrik Kristoffersen (NOR) both finished off the podium, respectively in fifth and 12th position.

During the week, the men's tour will head to Val d'Isère (FRA) where the first two speed races of the season are set to take place on 12/13 December!