Marco Odermatt also proves in Adelboden that he is the best giant slalom driver at the moment. (Video: SRF)
What kind of fan party was that? Thousands of people made a pilgrimage to Adelboden on Saturday to cheer on their ski stars. Especially to scream Marco Odermatt, Justin Murisier and Co. for the day’s victory. So on Saturday the giant slalom was on. And what happened The grandstands shook, it was a huge party.
The reason: Marco Odermatt achieved the first Swiss giant slalom victory on Chuenisbärgli since 2008 after two absolute top runs. And not only that. Odermatt was only the fifth driver in history to win four of the first five giant slalom races at the start of the season. Second was Austrian Manuel Feller, third was French Alexis Pinturault.
“It’s difficult to put into words. I was very nervous. Tears came to me on the chair trip because I had the wish to win here once, ”said an overjoyed Odermatt after the victory over the SRF. And further: “I am looking forward to replacing Marc Berthod. I tried to turn off expectations. I heard my name many times today and yesterday. ”
“It’s so awesome!”
But it wasn’t just Odermatt that hosted the big Swiss ski party in Adelboden. There were also Justin Murisier (4th), Loïc Meillard (8th), Gino Caviezel (11th), Cédric Noger (22nd) and Daniele Sette (27th). Four of them were in the top 11. It was a special trip, especially for Murisier.
Because: The Swiss ski star will be 30 years old on Saturday and when he crossed the finish line, thousands of ski fans sang “Happy Birthday” for him. He made his own birthday present straight away, as he raced to a strong fourth place. “This achievement on my birthday is wonderful,” he said in the interview.
Caviezel even led the ranking at times in the second run. At the finish he fell into the gangs completely exhausted. But the Adelboden audience received him with loud “Gino, Gino!” Shouts, Caviezel himself had a huge laugh on his lips.
Huge fan party in Adelboden
Noger was clearly not in the top 10. He was still happy. And how! “It’s an absolute highlight with the audience. The mood is incredible, it’s so cool! I am very happy that I made it into the second run again, ”he told SRF.
And so only one conclusion can be drawn on this Saturday: The first Adelboden race this weekend was a complete success. Satisfied Swiss ski cracks, a splendid Odermatt victory and enthusiastic fans. In short: a huge party. (nih)
You can find all the votes for the victory in the ticker below!