Unexpected Giant Slalom Shake-up at Copper Mountain

Four-times World Cup champion Marco Odermatt's giant slalom run ended abruptly, as Austrian Stefan Brennsteiner took an unexpected early lead. Odermatt lost control during his run, marking his first giant slalom non-finish in a year. Brennsteiner aims for his first World Cup victory after strong performances.

Switzerland's Marco Odermatt, four-times overall World Cup champion, faced an unexpected end to his giant slalom bid at Copper Mountain on Friday. Austrian skier Stefan Brennsteiner surprised the field by seizing an early lead amidst the competition's shake-up.

Odermatt, fresh from a Super-G victory and a previous giant slalom win in Soelden, lost control at a right-hand gate, resulting in his first non-finish in almost a year. 'A classic inside ski mistake, typical for this snow,' Odermatt stated, acknowledging the mishap.

Norway's Atle Lie McGrath also dropped out during the first run. Brennsteiner executed a clean run, finishing 0.26 seconds faster than Slovenia's Zan Kranjec. Brennsteiner, an Olympic gold medalist, is positioned for his first World Cup win after multiple podium finishes.

(With inputs from agencies.)