Loïc Meillard set the second fastest time in the first round of the nighttime giant of Schladming behind the Austrian Manuel Feller, the Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen completes the provisional podium. Marco Odermatt, who remains on 7 consecutive victories in giant, is “only” 11th but he limits the damage well after a big mistake. The second round can be followed from 8:35 p.m. on RTS2.
What if Loïc Meillard retained his title in Schladming? Winner last year on the Planai in front of Gino Caviezel and in the absence of Marco Odermatt, the Valaisan did the job. Only Manuel Feller managed to beat him.
As for Marco Odermatt, he finds himself in 11th place at 0”98 due to a big mistake at the top of the course. Never seen since February 2, 2020 and a giant in Garmisch (22nd in the first round). Undefeated in the last seven giants, the Nidwalden will not close the gate for the first in eleven races.
We have to go back to March 20, 2021 in Lenzerheide to find traces of a giant without Marco Odermatt on the podium, that is to say 21 races, 23 if we count the Olympic title and the world title! Suffice it to say that the skier from Buochs will be uplifted by the time he sets off on his second run.
Caviezel eliminated
Second last year behind Meillard, Gino Caviezel started very well before making an error which prevented him from reaching the finish. Thomas Tumler had a decent run to take 15th place at 1”20.
Sandro Zurbruegg put in a superb performance, setting the 26th time starting with bib 47.
ats/nm