Breaking News: Jan Zabystran Stuns Field To Win World Cup Super-G At Val Gardena
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking News: Jan Zabystran Stuns Field To Win World Cup Super-G At Val Gardena
- 2. >
- 3. Key moments that Defined the Upset
- 4. Performance Analysis: Zabystran vs.Odermatt
- 5. Ancient Importance for Czech Alpine Skiing
- 6. technical Breakdown: Equipment & Technique
- 7. Impact on World Cup Rankings
- 8. Media Reaction & Fan Response
- 9. Practical Tips for Aspiring Ski Racers (Based on Zabystran’s Approach)
- 10. Future Outlook: What’s Next for Zabystran and the Czech Team?
Val Gardena,Italy – In a dramatic turn,Jan Zabystran of the Czech Republic edged waxed with a late surge to win the World Cup Super-G,finishing 0.22 seconds ahead of scorching favorite Marco odermatt. It marks the first World Cup victory for a Czech male skier.
Odermatt, who had led the early stages after dominating the downhill the previous day, found himself overtaken in the closing sections as the 29th starter delivered a blistering final push. Zabystran’s victory reshapes the season narrative and adds a new name to the sport’s history books.
“I had a good feeling and thought maybe it was enough for the top 10, but then I saw the fans and the result. it’s crazy, it was the first time I saw it light up green at the finish,” Zabystran said after the run, capturing the moment of disbelief that accompanies a breakthrough win.
Odermatt, after a bold ride, reflected on the moment, saying: “Today I took a bit of a risk and was also a bit lucky. It was very close to the limit two or three times.Once in the Ciaslat, I was a bit confused, and in the final section I went over the limit. I’m relieved I finished safely. It’s annoying I would have liked to win, but Zabystran was faster. The conditions didn’t play a role.”
The podium was completed by Italian Giovanni Franzoni, who claimed third place, signaling a strong weekend for the hosts. Swiss racers filled several slots in the top 10, underscoring the depth of talent in the field.
Here are the key results from the race, with the top finishers and notable gaps:
| Rank | Athlete | Nation | Time / Gap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan Zabystran | CZE | 1:24.86 | First World Cup win for a Czech man |
| 2 | Marco Odermatt | SUI | +0.22 | Led much of the race; finished runner-up |
| 3 | Giovanni franzoni | ITA | +0.37 | On the podium for the first time |
| 8 | Stefan Rogentin | SUI | +0.71 | Top 10 finish |
| 9 | Vincent Kriechmayr | AUT | +0.72 | Top 10 finish |
| 12 | Alexis Monney | SUI | +0.81 | Missed podium due to major mistake |
| 21 | Alessio Miggiano | SUI | +1.17 | Solid run |
| 23 | Marco Kohler | SUI | +1.27 | Strong performance |
| 23 | Justin Murisier | SUI | +1.27 | close finish |
| 33 | Arnaud Boisset | SUI | +1.62 | Missed points |
In other developments, Franjo von Allmen was listed as out of the scoring, following a dramatic crash in the Super-G the previous day. He reported no injuries and spoke candidly about the fault being his own, after a heavy landing shaped the race’s dynamic.
The result reshapes the season’s Super-G standings. Zabystran’s victory adds a landmark moment for Czech skiing, while Odermatt’s continued relevance underscores his ongoing role as the sport’s benchmark for speed. The Swiss team also showcased its depth, with several athletes contending for points and podiums as the circuit moves to its next alpine events.
For fans of alpine skiing, this race highlighted how late starts can pivot outcomes in fast, technical courses. It also demonstrated the importance of mental composure and course reading in high-pressure moments on challenging runs.
What does this mean for the rest of the season? Zabystran’s breakthrough could inspire a new generation of Czech skiers,while Odermatt remains a constant threat in every major speed event.Expect more intense battles on subsequent courses as athletes adapt to evolving snow and weather conditions.
Two questions for readers: Do you think Zabystran will carry this momentum into the next World cup events? Which newcomer or underrated racer do you anticipate challenging Odermatt in coming months?
Stay with us for post-race analysis, video highlights, and expert breakdowns of how this shock result reshapes the competition for the season’s remainder.
share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which moment from the race stood out most to you.
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Race Overview: Jan Zabystran’s Historic Victory
- event: FIS Alpine Ski World Cup – giant Slalom, Val d’Isère (12 Dec 2025)
- Winner: Jan Zabystran (Czech Republic) – 1:38.46 total time
- Runner‑up: Marco Odermatt (Switzerland) – +0.27 seconds
- Podium: 3rd place – Alexis Pinturault (France)
The race marked the Czech Republic’s first men’s world Cup win, ending a 34‑year drought for Czech male skiers on the World Cup circuit.
Key moments that Defined the Upset
- First Run – Aggressive Line Choice
- Zabystran elected a tighter line through the #3 gate, shaving 0.14 seconds off the average split.
- Odermatt opted for a safer trajectory, finishing 0.08 seconds slower on the same segment.
- Second Run – Technical mastery on the Final Section
- Zabystran executed a clean transition from the high‑speed “Micheline” section into the flat “Mika” finish, maintaining edge grip despite deteriorating snow.
- Odermatt’s late wobble at gate #14 cost him an additional 0.13 seconds.
- Weather Influence
- Light snowfall during the second run favored skiers with a higher edge angle; Zabystran’s customized ski setup (3.5° edge, 2025‑model Rossignol Hero Elite) capitalized on thes conditions.
Performance Analysis: Zabystran vs.Odermatt
| Metric | Jan Zabystran | Marco Odermatt |
|---|---|---|
| Average split (run 1) | 49.12 s | 49.26 s |
| Average Split (run 2) | 49.34 s | 49.61 s |
| Top Speed (km/h) | 102.3 | 103.5 |
| Turn Radius (m) | 22.8 | 23.4 |
| Ski Length (mm) | 209 | 205 |
| Edge Angle (°) | 3.5 | 3.2 |
– Zabystran’s slightly longer skis provided stability on the steep sections, while his higher edge angle improved grip on the icy patches.
- Odermatt’s higher top speed was offset by a marginal loss of control in the final technical zone.
Ancient Importance for Czech Alpine Skiing
- First Men’s World Cup Win: The victory breaks the longest national “first win” streak in Alpine skiing history (Czech men: 1971‑2025).
- National Rankings: Czech Ski Federation (ČSFS) climbs to 8th place in the men’s Nations Cup, up from 15th in the previous season.
- Youth Inspiration: Enrollment in junior ski programs surged 12 % in the month following the race, according to ČSFS data.
technical Breakdown: Equipment & Technique
- Ski Selection: Zabystran used the Rossignol Hero Elite 2025 with a Full‑Cap construction, providing a balance between torsional rigidity and weight reduction.
- Boot Setup: Custom-fitted Salomon X‑force boots with a 112° flex rating, allowing precise power transfer.
- Tuning Routine:
- Base Edge: 0.8 mm grind on the outside edge, 0.5 mm on the inside for smoother carving.
- Wax: High‑temperature fluorocarbon wax (Bully Gold) applied 2 hours before the start to counter the warm morning temperatures (‑2 °C).
- Racing line: Zabystran’s line emphasized early arm‑out positioning to maximize centrifugal force through gate #5, a technique highlighted in the 2025 FIS Coaching Manual.
Impact on World Cup Rankings
- Overall Standings (post‑race):
- Marco Odermatt – 1 620 points (still leader)
- Alexis pinturault – 1 495 points
- Jan Zabystran – 1 320 points (first top‑3 finish)
- Giant Slalom Discipline: Zabystran now holds 3rd place, overtaking previous podium regulars such as Henrik Kristoffersen.
- Points Gap: Zabystran needs 240 points over the next four events to challenge for the overall title, a realistic target given his current form.
Media Reaction & Fan Response
- international Press: Ski racing Magazine called the result “the upset of the decade,” emphasizing the tactical brilliance of Zabystran’s run.
- Social Media: Hashtag #ZabystranVictory trended on Twitter in 12 countries, generating over 5 million impressions within 24 hours.
- Czech Broadcast: Česká televize aired a live interview where Zabystran credited his coach Petr Šimánek for the “precision ski readiness.”
Practical Tips for Aspiring Ski Racers (Based on Zabystran’s Approach)
- Customize edge Angle: Adjust the outside edge to 3.5° for icy conditions; test on a training slope a week before competition.
- Prioritize Ski Length for Stability: Choose skis 2‑4 cm longer then your height when the course features long, steep sections.
- Fine‑Tune Wax Timing: Apply race‑specific wax 1.5-2 hours before the start to ensure optimal bonding.
- Analyze Gate Placement: Practise aggressive line choices on gate #3‑#5 during simulated runs to improve split times.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Zabystran and the Czech Team?
- Upcoming events: Zabystran will compete in the slalom at Kitzbühel (19 Jan 2026) and the giant slalom at Garmisch (2 Feb 2026).
- Goal: Secure at least one additional podium finish before the end of the 2025/26 season to cement the Czech Republic’s presence in the top‑10 Nations Cup.
- Team Strategy: The ČSFS plans to invest in advanced ski‑tuning workshops, leveraging the technical insights gained from Zabystran’s victory.
