Bologna, 13 December 2024 – The men’s Ski World Cup returns to Europe, with the girls competing in Beaver Creek, with a spectacular giant slalom in Val d’Isere, a historic stage of the top circuit. The start of the season has seen many twists and turns, starting with a Odermatt less dominant than usual, especially in giant where he went out twice, and a Braathen immediately competitive with even the surprise Tumblerwinner for the first time at 35 years old in Beaver Creek. A sharp blue is missing, but at least between the wide gates something was seen with Vinatzer e From Aliprandini who are candidates to be protagonists in France too
The situation in the rankings
After two races, Solden and Beaver Creek, it is unusual to find Marco Odermatt zero points in giant, he went out in both, in fact the lead goes to Lucas Pine Braathenleading with 130 points ahead of Alexander Stone Olsen with 129 and Henrik Kristoffersen with 125. Beaver winner, Thomas Tumblerfirst career victory, is fourth at 118, while the Italians are in eighth position with Luca Of Aliprandini (58 points) and in ninth with Alex Vinatzer (53 points), both with two good placings in the first two races.
The favourites
The first merit group is composed of seven athletes and all of them can win. The number one favorite, even if coming from a complicated start, is definitely Marco Odermattthe best in the world in the giant rankings and called to provide an immediate response. Watch out for the dangerous Henrik Kristoffersen and Loic Meillardaccompanied by the ever-solid Zan Carnivoran. In Switzerland, now, Thomas will have to be included in the group of possible candidates Tumblerentered by right into the fight for the specialty cup. Among the outsiders, eyes on Alexis Pinturaultwho competes at home, Gino caviezel and Manuel Feller. The Italians are in the top fifteen with good cards thanks to From Aliprandini and Vinatzer. And Braathen? Thanks to his results, podium at Beaver Creek, he is climbing the rankings and has entered the top twenty: he will be able to start with a less ruined track. The Italian team is completed by Borsotti, Della Vite, Zingerle and Talacci.
Where to see it on TV
The men’s giant slalom in Val d’Isere will be held on Saturday, December 14, with the first run at 9.30:13 a.m. and the second at 58 p.m. Live on Raisport Hd, channel XNUMX of digital terrestrial, with commentary by Davide Labate and Alberto Schieppati. Streaming on Raiplay. Live for a fee on Sky’s Eurosport channels, with commentary by Zoran Filicic and Silvano Varettoni. Streaming on Discovery Plus and Dazn.
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