Schwarz Celebrates Win On Gran Risa
Great success for Ski Austria at the World Cup giant slalom in Alta Badia: Marco Schwarz celebrated a much-celebrated victory on the traditional Gran Risa.
The Carinthian prevailed after two strong runs, crowning his impressive comeback after a long injury break. Schwarz had already taken the lead after the first run and continued his controlled yet determined performance in the final. He finished ahead of Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA), who also put in a strong showing, taking second place. Stefan Brennsteiner provided further jubilation for the Austrian team, once again demonstrating his consistency in giant slalom with a third-place finish.
Exhibiting all the touch, skill and mental resolve that made him one of his generation’s standout skiers, Schwarz proved his enduring class by powering to victory down the Gran Risa, Alta Badia’s iconic Giant Slalom track, on Sunday afternoon.
Comfortably ahead after a superb run one, the 2021 Alpine combined world champion narrowly held off a charging Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA/Atomic). The green-and-yellow clad man 0.18 seconds away from claiming his first GS win under Brazilian colours.
It was a special moment for Marco Schwarz: his first World Cup victory in giant slalom since tearing his ACL, and an emotional milestone on his road back to the top. The success underlines the positive development of the all-rounder, who has gradually returned to top form this season.
For now, the 35-year-old will no doubt be happy to hand the spotlight to Schwarz. In the 729 days since the all-rounder last stepped on top of a World Cup podium, Schwarz has faced a litany of challenges. First, he ruptured his ACL during the Bormio Downhill in December 2023, when leading the Overall World Cup standings. Then having fought back to fitness, he was hit with a herniated disc. All of which left him scrabbling for form and confidence during his eventual return 12 months ago.
First out of the gate in the morning run, Schwarz laid down a marker that no one could get close to. Precise down the devilish middle section, he attacked hard elsewhere to take more than half-a-second on the field. Then came the ultimate challenge.
“For sure I was a little bit nervous, I think that’s pretty normal when you are in the lead. I think it’s the first time I am in the lead and I made the victory, so more than happy,” Schwarz said laughing, after a heart-in-the-mouth second run in which he stormed back in the lower section having appeared in danger early on.
“It was a tough fight. In the steep part there were two gates (where) it was a little bit bumpy but the rest was really good. I tried to focus on my instinct and I tried to let the skis run.”
The skis did exactly what they needed to do to deliver a first GS World Cup triumph in almost three years.
After starting the season with a DNF in Sölden, Pinheiro Braathen admitted that confidence in his GS skiing was low. But back on the Gran Risa, a course famed among GS aficionados, the 25-year-old found all his natural exuberance once more. As he revealed when asked how he felt starting run two in fifth position.
So, it proved. Following the pre-race instructions of his team to “press on the outside ski”, the Brazilian swept through the fearsome middle section that caught so many others out. Displaying a tactical maturity that has become a trademark this season, Pinheiro Braathen attacked when he could, and took his foot ever so slightly off the gas when the track demanded it. A combination that so nearly brought a longed-for win.
“At the end of the day, this sport is all about close calls, it’s all about margins. Marco was the best man today, I am so proud to have put myself back on the podium,” the showman said a touch ruefully, before endearing himself even more to the locals.
“Racing in Italy is one of my favourites. There are very few places I feel more loved, more energy… from all the amazing fans around us here. I could never do it without them. At the end of the day I live to ski and to dance and to put on a show.
The team's overall performance was also very encouraging. In addition to the double podium finish, other Austrian athletes delivered strong performances, most notably Patrick Feurstein, who made a significant leap forward with a spirited second run to finish eighth.
Marco Schwarz said “This victory means a great deal to me. To be back on top after such a long and difficult time – especially here on the Gran Risa – is something very special. I planned to attack from run to run and trust my instincts. The fact that it worked out today makes me very proud.”
