The 59th Critérium de la Première Neige in Val d’Isère was held over the weekend of 14 and 15 December 2024 in difficult weather conditions. Two races were on the programme: the Men’s Giant on Saturday and the Men’s Slalom on Sunday. Here’s a look back at the highlights, with a new victory for Marco Odermatt, and the French who were not spared by the ups and downs of the race.
Marco Odermatt, undisputed master of the giant at the first snow criterium
After a complicated start to the season with two run-offs in Sölden and Beaver Creek, Marco Odermatt responded in the best possible way in Val d’Isère. On the Face de Bellevarde, he dominated the first run with a time of 1:04.08, then intelligently managed the second run. These results enabled him to win the giant with a total time of 2:11.66. Winner of 9 of the 10 Giant Slalom races last season, the Swiss skier confirms that he is the man to beat. This fourth consecutive victory in Val d’Isère is a symbol of his domination on this piste.
For the second and third steps of the podium, the Austrians shone with Patrick Feurstein, who took 2nd place in 2:11.74, just ahead of Stefan Brennsteiner, 3rd with a time of 2:11.78.
The French lag behind at the Première Neige criterium
On the French side, the race was more difficult. Thibaut Favrot finished in 22nd place, followed by Alban Elezi-Cannaferina, 23rd in his first World Cup. Léo Anguenot (25th) and Alexis Pinturault (28th) rounded off the Tricolores’ ranking.
Olympic champion Clément Noël was not spared: he crashed heavily in the first run, injuring his ankle. Forced to retire, he had to withdraw from Sunday’s slalom .
First Snow Criterium Slalom: Steven Amiez crashes, frustration for the French
Sunday’s slalom was marked by a cruel scenario for the French. Steven Amiez, who had a dazzling first run (47. 44) and was provisionally in the lead, unfortunately crashed in the second run, putting an end to his hopes of a podium finish.
Kristoffersen regains victory!
After finishing second in the first run, Kristoffersen remained solid and unflappable to win the second. He won the race on the demanding Bellevarde face, beating his Norwegian compatriot Atle Lie McGrath by 52 hundredths, while Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard rounded off the podium at 89 hundredths. The performance of the day went to Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who, thanks to an exceptional second run, managed to climb 22 places to finish just off the podium.
On the French side, the only satisfaction of the slalom was Victor Muffat-Jeandet‘s 16th place . Léo Anguenot didn’t make it past the first run, finishing 31st.
Complicated weather conditions
The skiers had to contend with difficult conditions throughout the weekend. In the Giant Slalom, the first run was snow-covered, while thick fog severely hampered visibility in the second run. For the Slalom, the morning was overcast with intermittent snowfall. The second run at the start of the afternoon benefited from better light, with a few rays of sunshine for the first starters, before the track fell back into the shade at the end of the race.
French hopes and frustrations
For the French, the weekend’s results at the critérium de la première neige in Val d’Isère were mixed. The injury to Clément Noël was a major blow to the team, while the fall of Steven Amiez, despite his promise, left a taste of unfinished business.
However, the encouraging performance of Alban Elezi-Cannaferina, who scored points in his first World Cup, and the solidity of Victor Muffat-Jeandet in the slalom, are positive signs for the rest of the season.
Next stages of the season
The next stop on the world circuit is already eagerly awaited, and the French will be keen to bounce back and shine in these upcoming competitions. From 18 to 21 December, the men will be in action in Val Gardena with downhill and super-G events, while the women will be in Saint-Moritz for two super-Gs on 21 and 22 December. There will also be the men’s giant slalom at Alta Badia on 22 December, followed by the men’s slalom on 23 December.
