Odermatt Secures Super-G Globe as Courchevel Races Fall Victim to Snow
COURCHEVEL, France – Marco Odermatt of Switzerland has clinched the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Super-G title, despite the cancellation of both scheduled Super-G races in Courchevel this weekend due to heavy snowfall. The decision, announced Sunday morning, marks a disappointing end to the French stop on the World Cup circuit, but doesn’t diminish Odermatt’s impressive season. The cancellation also casts a shadow over the planned farewell appearance of French skiing icon Alexis Pinturault, who will now have to wait for his final race at the upcoming World Cup finals in Norway.
Snow Forces Cancellation, Secures Odermatt’s Title
The second Super-G race, initially scheduled for Sunday, was called off after overnight snowfall created unsafe conditions on the Eclipse piste. This followed the cancellation of Saturday’s Super-G, also due to inclement weather. According to a statement released by the FIS, “Despite all the efforts of the organization, the safety conditions on the slope were insufficient to launch a race due to the significant snowfall overnight. The organizers have decided to cancel the race.”
With the race cancelled, Odermatt’s lead in the Super-G standings became insurmountable. He holds a commanding 158-point advantage over Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr, making it mathematically impossible for Kriechmayr to overtake him in the final Super-G of the season, scheduled for next week in Hafjell, Norway. This marks Odermatt’s fourth consecutive Super-G globe, adding to his already impressive collection which includes the downhill title and the overall World Cup crown.
A Disappointing Farewell for Pinturault
The cancellation is particularly poignant for Alexis Pinturault, who had planned to make a final appearance before his home crowd in Courchevel. The 34-year-vintage, a decorated skier with 34 World Cup victories (including an overall globe in 2021), three Olympic medals and two World Championship titles in combined events, announced his retirement earlier this week. He was slated to start as the lead racer on Sunday, a symbolic gesture to thank his fans and teammates.
Pinturault will now have one last opportunity to say goodbye to competitive skiing at the World Cup finals in Hafjell, Norway, on March 24th. While he won’t have the energy of a home crowd behind him, it will still be a chance to cap off a remarkable career.
Odermatt’s Dominance Continues
Marco Odermatt’s season has been nothing short of dominant. He has consistently demonstrated his skill and versatility across multiple disciplines, securing globes in downhill and now Super-G, and positioning himself as a strong contender for the overall World Cup title. His performance this season has cemented his place among the elite skiers in the world, drawing comparisons to the legendary Marc Giradelli, with whom he is now tied for the most overall Crystal Globes at five.
The Swiss skier acknowledged the challenging conditions in Courchevel, stating, “It was remarkably difficult, a very tough race. I have never been as tired as at the finish today, it has been a long season.” Despite the fatigue, Odermatt managed a third-place finish in Friday’s downhill race, enough to secure both the downhill and overall globes.
Kriechmayr Takes Downhill Victory Amidst Chaos
While Odermatt celebrated his globes, Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr secured a victory in Friday’s downhill race, marking his first of the season. Giovanni Franzoni of Italy finished second, just 0.09 seconds behind Kriechmayr, while Odermatt took third, 0.31 seconds off the pace. The race was also marred by a DNF from Odermatt’s compatriot, Franjo Von Allmen, who suffered mid-course errors, and a crash by Alexis Monney, who broke a ski during his run, causing a temporary interruption to the competition.
Kriechmayr’s win was a testament to his experience and ability to navigate the challenging and variable conditions on the Courchevel slope. He expertly managed the course, showcasing his skill and determination.
Looking Ahead to Hafjell
The World Cup circuit now moves to Hafjell, Norway, for the final races of the season. While the Super-G title has already been decided, the battle for other globes and the overall World Cup standings will continue. All eyes will be on Odermatt as he aims to add to his already impressive tally of achievements, and on Alexis Pinturault as he prepares for his final race as a professional skier.
The Hafjell finals are scheduled to begin on March 20th and conclude on March 24th. Fans can follow the action on the FIS Alpine website ([https://www.fis-ski.com/alpine-skiing](https://www.fis-ski.com/alpine-skiing)) and through various broadcast partners worldwide.
The cancellation in Courchevel serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of alpine skiing, where weather conditions can dramatically alter the course of competition. Despite the disappointment, the focus now shifts to Norway, where the final chapter of the 2025-26 World Cup season will be written.
