Marcel Hirscher made the most of a blistering start to triumph in his first ever World Cup event by landing the giant slalom in Val D'Isere on December 13th.The 20-year-old Austrian was in command from the first run and then pulled further away from the field, which included experienced team-mate Benjamin Raich.
Massimiliano Blardone finished in the runner-up spot for the second straight year at Val D'Isere, while dual 2006 Olympic champion Raich was only good enough to take third.
According to the Associated Press, Hirscher said: "To finish first on such a difficult course and be congratulated by Benni [Raich] at the end, it's just unreal."
Meanwhile, the outcome took Raich to the top of the overall standings, 26 points clear of Carlo Janka, after he had earlier claimed first position in the super-combined.
Raich, who took gold in both the slalom and giant slalom in Turin, added that he was content to continue to score points in every race and was not focussed on the overall standings.
The 31-year-old is also at the head of the giant slalom standings in the World Cup with 185 points, with Swiss star Janka and American skier Ted Ligety his nearest pursuers.
Written by Chris Smith