The men’s World Cup giant slalom on Sunday (October 29, 2023) in Sölden could not be run in Emnde. The race jury was forced to cancel the race after 47 starters because of the persistent gusts. Climate activists protested during the already controversial race on the Tyrolean glacier.
The route on the Rettenbach Glacier had previously been shortened due to the wind. “We don’t have the situation under control and unfortunately have to stop for safety reasons,” race director Markus Waldner told the teams via radio at 11:45 a.m.
At the time of the cancellation, the Austrian Marco Schwarz was in the lead in his home game, but his first win of the season at the traditional “opening” came to nothing.
Black if canceled at the front – result annulled
The third place in the World Championships was 0.29 seconds ahead of Olympic champion Marco Odermatt from Switzerland in the opening race. Third was Frenchman Alexis Pinturault (+0.46). Fabian Gratz (Altenau/+2.36) was able to dream of the final in 22nd place.
Anton Grammel (Kressbronn) and debutant Jonas Stockinger (Herzogsreut) were still at the start at the time of the cancellation, the piste had perfect conditions. But unlike the day before with winner Lara Gut-Behrami (Switzerland), the race could not be completed and the result was annulled according to the rules.
Protest from climate activists
The climate protectors of the “Last Generation” used the start of the ski racers’ World Cup to stage a campaign that attracted the public. Under the motto “Soon no more World Cup” three people blocked the high mountain road to the Rettenbach glacier in Sölden, where the Alpine mountains traditionally celebrate their “opening”, an hour before the start of the giant slalom on Sunday. The police were quickly on the scene and quickly cleared the road again, it was said.
A “Fridays for Future” campaign was also planned in the finish area between the two giant slalom runs, but with the permission of the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV).
The fact that the Alpine Ski World Cup starts this year at the end of October and in Sölden of all places caused discussions in advance. For years, athletes have been calling for the start of the season to be postponed for sporting reasons and with a view to climate change – without success.