Austrian skier Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT/Fischer) celebrated his first-ever FIS World Cup win after taking advantage of an unexpected mistake by Marco Odermatt (SUI/Stöckli) during the Giant Slalom at Copper Mountain.
The competition saw Brennsteiner deliver two consistent runs, capitalizing on Odermatt’s crash in the second round. With near-perfect precision and composure, Brennsteiner finished almost a full second ahead of his closest rival, marking a significant milestone in his career.
"It's unbelievable to finally win a World Cup race after so many years of effort," said Brennsteiner. "I kept my focus and tried not to think about anything else."
The event took place under clear skies with challenging snow conditions that tested even the most experienced racers. Brennsteiner’s victory marks a major breakthrough, ending his long pursuit of a World Cup podium finish.
Odermatt’s fall ended his impressive winning streak in giant slalom events, opening the door for Brennsteiner’s triumph.
This result propels Brennsteiner into strong contention for the overall season standings and highlights his growing consistency on the World Cup circuit.
"I want to keep this momentum going. It gives me great motivation for the next races," Brennsteiner added.
Author summary: Stefan Brennsteiner claimed his first World Cup victory after Marco Odermatt's crash at Copper Mountain, marking a key moment in his skiing career.