Odermatt has done it again – “The fact that this series continues every weekend is unbelievable” – Sport

Marco Odermatt continues his winning streak in Aspen and is approaching the record mark – despite empty batteries.

Marco Odermatt had already indicated it in the analysis of the first run: “I know that I can still make up a lot of time in the last few goals,” said the man from Nidwalden halfway through the race. With the self-confidence of a series winner, he also turned up the pace decisively in the final part of the second race in Aspen. While he was still 8 hundredths of a second behind his teammate Loïc Meillard at the last split, he had to congratulate Odermatt once again on his victory at the finish.

But it was a single battle from top to bottom. “It was perhaps the toughest giant victory in the last few weeks, months or even years,” said the 26-year-old. The difficult slope with the many waves would have led to minor errors. “That’s why I needed the hundredth of luck again today.”

The fact that Odermatt won the small crystal ball in Aspen was almost a minor matter for him, “but the fact that this series continues every weekend is unbelievable.” With 11 giant slalom victories in a row, Ingemar Stenmark’s record (14) has moved a little closer. He wasn’t sure whether it would be enough today. The start at almost 3,000 meters above sea level and the high temperatures would have quickly drained his batteries. Now it’s a matter of recharging it again by Saturday.

Correct path at Meillard

In the shadow of his teammate, Meillard accomplished the same feat as last winter. Thanks to his first podium finish in the giant slalom, the Valaisan was now in the top 3 in all three disciplines he competed in this season. “I’m proud that it worked again. This shows that I have chosen the right path.”

Meillard was able to get over the fact that it wasn’t quite enough to get to the front. “It’s been a difficult season so far in the giant slalom. It’s really nice that it finally worked out.” With an attacking drive he even reached for victory in the second race. “The last part wasn’t ideal, I know where I lose the victory.”