No Swiss has yet won a World Cup in Bansko. Swiss skiers will look to change the situation this weekend with a giant and a slalom on the program.
A Swiss team in top form will set off in Bansko for the technical events this weekend. Swiss skiers are on the rise, not only thanks to the performances of Marco Odermatt this season as a giant, but with the historic double of Daniel Yule and Loïc Meillard in Chamonix last Sunday.
No Swiss has to date won a race in the Bulgarian resort. Marco Odermatt came closest, with a 2nd place in giant in 2021, the last time Bansko hosted a men’s stage. The Nidwalden star, who has won all the giants since March 2023 (8 in total), will be absolutely favorite to add a new victory to his record on Saturday.
He will be accompanied by Loïc Meillardlooking for his first podium in the discipline this season. Justin Murisierwho mainly focused on speed this winter, will also be at the start, as well as Gino Caviezel, Thomas Tumler, Livio Simonet, Marco Fischbacher, Josua Mettler, Semyel Bissig, Fadri Janutin et Sandro Zurbrügg.
New terrain for slalomers
For most slalom riders, the Bulgarian resort will be a discovery: the last World Cup slalom in Bansko dates back to 2012. All eyes on Sunday will be on Daniel Yule et Loïc Meillard after their exploit last weekend. Ramon Zenhäuserwho is still finding his form this season, is also traveling, while Marc Rochat will want to rediscover the spark that almost allowed him to get on a first podium in Schladming. Luca Aerni, Tanguy Nef, Reto Schmidiger et Matthias Eaten logically complete the Swiss contingent.
SSW