Swiss skiing sensation Marco Odermatt kicked off the World Cup super-G season in style with a victory at Copper Mountain on U.S. Thanksgiving Day. Meanwhile, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s return to the slopes after almost two years brought tears to the eyes of his fiancée, Mikaela Shiffrin. Odermatt had already triumphed in the opening giant slalom event in Soelden, Austria, setting a strong tone for the season ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February.
This was only the second time the Colorado course had hosted men’s World Cup races since 1975-76, and Odermatt put on a stellar performance, needing a strong final section to edge past Vincent Kriechmayr and secure victory by a mere 0.08 seconds. This victory prevented Austria from sweeping the podium, with Raphael Haaser taking third place just 0.05 seconds behind Kriechmayr, and Stefan Babinsky finishing fourth.
Reflecting on his win, Odermatt expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating that he executed his race plan effectively from start to finish. The reigning overall champion and three-time Crystal Globe winner in super-G, Odermatt’s dominance is evident as he continues his impressive form into the new season.
On the other hand, Kilde, the 2020 overall champion and winner of 21 World Cup races, made a remarkable comeback after a lengthy hiatus due to injuries sustained in a harrowing downhill crash in January 2024. Shiffrin, emotionally overwhelmed by Kilde’s return, was seen in tears as he completed his run, finishing 1.25 seconds behind Odermatt. Kilde, who underwent surgery for severe injuries to his calf and shoulder, showed resilience and determination in his return to competition.
Despite the challenges he faced, Kilde’s performance was commendable on a course familiar to many speed racers, who have trained there extensively in recent years. The race marked Kilde’s first step back into competitive skiing, drawing admiration and support from his fellow competitors, including Odermatt.
In the men’s super-G event at Copper Mountain, six Canadian athletes competed, with Jack Crawford leading the pack in 16th place with a time of 1:08.66. The Canadian contingent also included Riley Seger, Jeffrey Read, Brodie Seger, Cam Alexander, and Raphael Lessard, showcasing their talents on the challenging course.
The event at Copper Mountain was the first of nine super-G races in a season punctuated by the upcoming Winter Olympics, with the next race scheduled to take place at Beaver Creek in the United States. Odermatt’s victory marked his 47th World Cup win and his 16th triumph in super-G, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite athletes.
As per the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, Odermatt’s podium finish in super-G was his 26th, placing him in joint third position alongside Norway’s Kjetil Jansrud on the men’s all-time list, behind legends Hermann Maier and Aksel Lund Svindal.
Fans can catch the action live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem, with a full replay of the thrilling super-G event available for viewing. The competition at Copper Mountain showcased the skill and determination of the world’s top skiers as they gear up for an exciting season ahead.