Men’s Giant Slalom Val D’isere 2019 Betting Odds: Who Will Win in the Alps?

Image source: Jonas Ericcsoon / CC BY-SA via Wikimedia Commons

This Saturday, on the 14th of December the next Alpine Ski World Cup event, will take place in one of the most prestigious places, Val D’isere in France. Even though American Tommy Ford is leading so far, the men’s giant slalom Val D’isere 2019 betting odds are predicting a Norwegian win. 

After the legendary Marcel Hirscher has retired this year, new talents are fighting for his crown as we discussed earlier. Everyone was expecting the race between Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen and French Alexis Pinturault. But now another Austrian, Matthias Mayer is leading in the overall standing. It is still early in the season, with plenty of races ahead, so both skiers will have the chance to step forward. The first opportunity will be in France, where they will compete in giant and normal slalom. 

Why Kristoffersen is the favorite in the men’s giant slalom Val D’isere 2019 betting odds? 

It seems a bit odd, that online sportsbooks in France are giving the smallest odds, 2.75 for Kristoffersen’s win when he is only fifth in this season’s giant slalom standing. They predict his victory ahead of local skier, Alexis Pinturault or current leader, American Tommy Ford. But why is that? 

Well, to start with, he is the reigning giant slalom world champion. He also finished second in the world cup behind Hirscher in GS, and on last year’s race in Val D’isere as well. So the Norwegian has quite good results here, which makes him a perfect favorite even though he hasn’t been in top form yet. Another great Norwegian skier is Johannes Hoesfolt Klaebo who can win his second Tour de Ski title this season. 

We shouldn’t be too hard on Kristoffersen as he has already won one event, the slalom race in Levi, Finland this season. While his biggest rival, Alexis Pinturault has also got one victory from the very first race in Austria. With the support of the home fans, and competing in familiar territory, the French skier also has good chances to win the race. He has the odds of 4.25 at  Unibet. 

Who is leading the Giant Slalom so far? 

But neither of them managed to collect as many points, as current leader Tommy Ford, who won the last race in Beaver Creek, USA. His great performance is a bit of a surprise. In his last 10 years, his best result was a fifth place in a world cup race. Believe it or not, but Men’s Alpine Skiing in the US is not that strong at the moment. After so many great skiers, like Bode Miller and Ted Ligety, there seems to be a void now. So many people turned their heads after the victory of Ford, who is not that well known even at home. But if he continues in the same way, surely he will be well recognized. The 30-year-old American from Oregon is mentioned now as one of the favorites in the men’s giant slalom Val D’isere 2019 betting odds. 

Sunday’s slalom race 

On the 15th of December, another event, the slalom race will take part in the same location.  In this race, Kristoffersen is the top favorite again. However, it makes more sense, as he is first in the slalom standings after two events. His main rival is another French here, Clement Noel, who stands behind him in second place. 

The 22-year-old Noel has been competing in his third world cup season and got three wins from last year. Besides, he was also at the 2018 Olympic Games, finishing fourth in slalom. Not bad from such a young skier. Surely he will try to use the advantages of skiing on home soil. Online gambling sites in France are offering 4.50 odds for his win. 

If you love skiing and would like to be a part of this great race, join the crowd. As organizers are offering programs between two runs, like dancing with the famous dancers of La Folie Douce or a thrilling experience of the Ejector bungee jumping, surely you won’t get bored. And you can also watch the best alpine skiers to race in one of the nicest French ski resorts. 

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