Because Marco Odermatt starts in Adelboden on Sunday instead of Saturday, people are complaining. The Chuenisbärgli OK does everything right. A comment.
The most important thing in brief
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The Chuenisbärgli races are reversing their program from the weekend.
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This causes fan anger because Marco Odermatt is new at the start on Sunday.
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But the OC’s decision is correct.
In 2017, after the two Chuenisbärgli races, there was talk of the “black ski weekend”: in the giant slalom in Adelboden, only Manuel Pleisch qualified for the second run. He is the 23rd best Swiss.
Swiss Ski boss Urs Lehmann complains in the finish area: “I’m pissed, I won’t say anything more!”
But despite Switzerland’s weak balance sheet, the mood in Adelboden is great in 2017 – as always!
27,400 fans make the pilgrimage to the Bernese Oberland for the giant slalom alone. And, of course, without having a Swiss hopeful like Marco Odermatt at the start.
Eight years later, a change to the program a few days before the World Cup weekend caused dissatisfaction among many fans: Due to the weather forecast, the organizers decided to swap the races on Saturday and Sunday.
The reasoning makes perfect sense. Because: This way you have a much greater chance of completing both races!
The Adelboden OK is doing everything right: instead of risking rejection, they are thinking ahead.
1Yes, makes sense.
-2No.
Although it requires a lot of flexibility from everyone, the alternative in the worst case scenario would be: no giant slalom at all – and therefore no Marco Odermatt in Adelboden! Just like in 2010 (cancellation) or 2016 (cancellation), when the giant slalom fans came away empty-handed.
And don’t forget: With the program adjustments, the race on Sunday will now take place in beautiful weather (and around minus 9 degrees). A ski festival awaits!
Swiss top class can also be admired in the slalom
The fact that many fans are now angry is only understandable at first glance. Marco Odermatt as a superstar and driving force is all well and good, a stroke of luck for Swiss sport.
But skiing should come first – with the best possible conditions for all athletes. This also includes the unique atmosphere in the Bernese Oberland.
1And
2No
That’s why Marco Odermatt says: “My slalom colleagues will be just as energetic on Saturday. And a great atmosphere is guaranteed in Adelboden anyway.”
If you buy your Adelboden ticket just because of a driver, you have yourself to blame. And it’s a little unfair. Because top-class Swiss skiing can also be admired in the slalom on Saturday: Loïc Meillard is traveling to the Bernese Oberland as the discipline leader.
And Daniel Yule’s form curve is also pointing upwards: By the way, he was 23 years old in 2017 and, with 8th place in the slalom, was the only bright spot on the “black ski weekend”.
