Atomic Racing Manager Christian Höflehner found an apt phrase for Hirscher’s great performance on the Gran Risa, where the Redster star finished with the best time in both runs and a gigantic 1.7 second lead: “Nobody has skied down this mountain like that before.” How true! Even the official statistics confirm that: win number 48, the fifth in Alta Badia, not even the great Alberto Tomba managed that. And as mega Marcel also achieved his 24th win in giant slalom, he has also equalled Ted Ligety’s record. Just like the steep starting slope Marcel also analysed his race tactically well: “A snapshot which I wouldn’t over evaluate. But the 2nd run was excellent, the material in top shape, the skis were excellent even in Beaver Creek”. Crystal globe number 7 was, after the broken ankle and training deficit, never an issue, and now he’s back on the heels of Henrik Kristoffersen in the overall World Cup: only 9 points down. The next event is the night slalom in Madonna di Campiglio.
