Buongiorno agli amici di OA Sport, e benvenuti alla DIRETTA LIVE dello slalom gigante di Kranjska Gora, gara valida per la Coppa del Mondo 2025-2026 di sci alpino maschile. La Coppa del Mondo di sci alpino maschile fa tappa in Slovenia for one of the most traditional events on the calendar. At Kranjska Gora, on the historic Podkoren 3 slope, the weekend of technical events opens with the giant slalom, the first of two races that will conclude on Sunday with the slalom. Saturday’s race will begin at 9:30 AM with the first run, followed by the second run at 12:30 PM, a crucial stage of the season leading up to the finals.
This Slovenian giant slalom is the eighth and penultimate stage of the season for giant slalom events, a competition that could further define the standings for the specialty title and bring the overall World Cup victory closer. All eyes are on Marco Odermatt, the dominant force in recent years and the clear leader in the discipline. The Swiss star, fresh off a downhill win in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, arrives at Kranjska Gora with a chance to further solidify his pursuit of a fifth consecutive crystal globe in the giant slalom and cement his overall lead in the standings. But Odermatt will face stiff competition, including Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, the Olympic champion and Odermatt’s closest challenger in the specialty standings, and fellow Swiss skier Loïc Meillard, who has consistently been a contender for the podium this season.
Among the Austrians, all eyes will be on Marco Schwarz and Stefan Brennsteiner, two experienced racers looking for a strong finish to the season. Norway also brings a competitive team, led by Henrik Kristoffersen, who won at Kranjska Gora last year, and Atle Lie McGrath, with Timon Haugan also poised to challenge for a top finish when he finds his rhythm.
The Italian team aims to regain confidence and consistency after a mixed season. The spotlight is on Alex Vinatzer, who is looking to bounce back from a challenging Olympic Games in Milan Cortina. The Gardenese racer enters with high ambitions and will aim to qualify for the second run with the best. The Italian squad also includes Luca De Aliprandini, one of the most experienced specialists in the group, and rising talent Filippo Della Vite. Giovanni Borsotti, who recently impressed in Schladming, and Tobias Kastlunger, Stefano Pizzato, returning to the World Cup circuit, and Simon Talacci complete a strong Italian contingent hoping for top placements.
Weather conditions could add an extra layer of uncertainty. Relatively mild temperatures have required extensive work on course preparation, but the Podkoren 3 slope is historically known for providing both spectacle and a challenging test for the racers.
OA Sport offers LIVE coverage of the Kranjska Gora giant slalom, a World Cup event in the 2025-2026 alpine ski season: minute by minute, run by run, so you don’t miss a thing. The first run begins at 9:30 AM, with the second run scheduled for 12:30 PM. Enjoy!
