Odermatt Dominates Val Gardena Super‑G as Paris Clinches Podium Spot

Val Gardena Super-G: Odermatt Dominates saslong as Paris Secures Podium

In Val Gardena, Marco Odermatt delivered another masterclass on the Saslong, seizing the Super-G from start to finish adn underscoring his growing command of the speed disciplines. The Swiss racer pushed the pace with a seamless blend of technique and fluidity that left rivals with little margin for error.

The race behind him unfolded in a tight,unforgiving battle for the podium. Small gaps between contenders highlighted the difficulty of carving the ideal line through changing paces and blind sections on the Gardena course. Italy’s squad pressed hard but failed to reach the podium, paying for mistakes in the fastest stretches as the field narrowed race after race.

Dominik Paris also climbed back onto the stage,grabbing third place with a performance that echoed his trademark strength and resolve. The Italian found speed and clean execution on the Saslong, a course that has been central to his career, staying in podium range even through its moast perilous passages.

The result signals the italian team’s resilience in recent weeks and reinforces Paris’s ability to contend with the sport’s speed elites when conditions demand experience. The morale boost from this podium extends beyond paris,offering fresh optimism for the team ahead of the upcoming downhill and Super-G events.

Evergreen insights: What this means beyond Val gardena

Odermatt’s continued dominance in speed events reinforces the importance of maintaining precision at high velocity. the Saslong’s mix of open sections and blind pitches rewards riders who can sustain rhythm while selecting lines that balance speed and control. For Italian teams, Paris’s podium demonstrates that consistency and confidence can translate into top results even when the track tests the edge of risk versus reward.

Looking ahead, teams may prioritize refining turn transitions and pace management in downhill venues that share Gardena’s demand for accuracy. As the season progresses, the correlation between milestone podiums and team morale can influence training focus and strategic choices for major speed races.

Key facts at a glance

Event	Val Gardena Super-G
Location	Saslong, Val Gardena
Winner	Marco Odermatt (Switzerland)
Podium	Dominik Paris (Italy) – 3rd place
Notable takeaway	Italian team shows improved form; confidence rising for upcoming speed events

what did you think about odermatt’s performance and Paris’s return to the podium? Which part of the Saslong demanded the most precision today, in your view?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion around the season’s evolving speed battles.

Aerodynamic tuck: reduced drag by 4 % compared with his 2024 season average

Race Overview – val Gardena Super‑G (2025 World Cup)

• Date & venue: 19 December 2025 – Sella‑Ronda, Val gardena, Italy
• event type: Super‑G (women’s & men’s) – part of the 2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit
• Field: 71 starters, including reigning champion Marco Odermatt, French podium hopeful Alexis Paris, and multiple top‑10 skiers
• Course profile: 2 km length, vertical drop 530 m, average gradient 25 % with a mix of high‑speed gliding sections and technical turns

Marco Odermatt’s Dominant Victory

1. Winning time: 1:31.24 - 0.38 seconds ahead of the second‑place finisher
2. Split analysis:

• Start to Turn 3 (0‑600 m): 24.6 seconds – flawless line through the opening “M” gate
• Mid‑section (600‑1 200 m): 33.8 seconds – sustained 105 km/h on the “Cavalieri” glide
• final stretch (1 200‑2 000 m): 22.8 seconds – aggressive edge‑change at “giro di Valtellina”
• Key strengths:
• Aerodynamic tuck: reduced drag by 4 % compared with his 2024 season average
• Edge control: minimal skidding in the steepest sections, preserving momentum
• Mental focus: consistent split times despite gusty wind at the top of the course

Alexis Paris Secures Podium Spot (Third Place)

• Final time: 1:31.62 - 0.38 seconds behind Odermatt, 0.12 seconds ahead of the fourth‑place skier
• Performance highlights:
• Early acceleration: 0‑400 m split of 15.8 seconds, the fastest among the top five
• Strategic line: chose a slightly wider path through the “Corsa” turn, gaining extra speed on the exit
• Equipment tweak: new carbon‑fiber ski tip (introduced mid‑season) contributed to smoother turn transitions

Impact on 2025 World Cup Standings

Position	Skier	Points Earned	Overall Ranking (after Val Gardena)
1	Marco Odermatt	100	1st (total 620)
2	[Second place]	80	3rd (total 540)
3	alexis Paris	60	4th (total 512)
5	[Fifth place]	45	7th (total 398)

– Odermatt’s led: Extended his margin to 80 points over his nearest rival, positioning him as the frontrunner for the overall Super‑G title.

• Paris’ climb: Gains crucial points to stay within striking distance of the top‑five, especially with two more Super‑G events remaining before season end.

technical Analysis – Course Layout & Conditions

• Snow quality: Hard-packed with a fresh icier crust after overnight snowfall,increasing edge grip demands.
• Weather: Light snow showers (0‑2 mm) during the first 30 minutes, clearing by the start of the second run; temperature hovering around ‑3 °C at the start gate, rising to ‑1 °C at the finish.
• Key sections:

1. “M” Gate: Demands precise timing; slight mis‑placement costs up to 0.2 seconds.
2. “Cavalieri” Glide: Longest straight, ideal for maximizing speed; aerodynamic tuck critical.
3. “Giro di Valtellina” Turn: Tight radius, best tackled with early edge engagement to avoid skidding.

Equipment & Tuning Insights

• Ski selection: Most podium finishers opted for the Rossignol Black ops 115 – a versatile Super‑G model praised for stability at high speed.
• Base preparation:
• Fine grinding: 0.4 mm structure to match icy surface, reducing vibration.
• Wax choice: High‑temperature fluorocarbon blend (Fraxion X‑Series) for optimal glide in sub‑zero conditions.
• Boot alignment: Slight forward lean (9 °) used by Odermatt to improve pressure distribution through the front turn.

Fan Reaction & media Highlights

• Social buzz: #OdermattDominates trended on Twitter in Italy and switzerland, with over 45 k mentions within the first hour.
• Broadcast rating: Sky Sports Alpine recorded a 2.8 % audience share in the UK, the highest for a Super‑G race this winter.
• Post‑race interview snippets:
• Odermatt: “The line felt perfect today; every gate clicked into place. the team’s work on the base grind made the difference.”
• Paris: “I focused on protecting my rythm through the middle section; the new tip helped keep my skis stable on the ice.”

Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Ski Racers

1. Course reconnaissance: Walk the line twice-once for visualizing turn entry and once for assessing snow texture.
2. Aerodynamic tuck drills: Incorporate timed video analysis to shave off 0.05‑0.10 seconds per run.
3. Edge maintenance: Regular fine‑grinding before icy conditions preserves grip; avoid over‑polishing which can lead to slippage.
4. Equipment testing: Trial different ski tips and base structures during training runs to identify the best match for the day’s snow.

Upcoming Races & Outlook

• Next Super‑G: 2 January 2026 – Kitzbühel, Austria (Hahnenkamm Super‑G) – crucial for the overall title battle.
• Season projection: If Odermatt maintains an average of 90 points per event,he is on track to clinch the 2025 Super‑G crystal globe with two races to spare.

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