Adelboden makes Odi start possible – fan whining is unfair

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

• The Chuenisbärgli races are reversing their program from the weekend.

• This causes fan anger because Marco Odermatt is new at the start on Sunday.

• 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.

Do you understand that the races were swapped in Adelboden?

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.

Will Marco Odermatt win again on Sunday in Adelboden?

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”.