ALEXIS PINTURAULT, SKIING TO NEW HEIGHTS!
Alexis Pinturault has pulled ahead of legendary French skier Jean-Claude Killy in terms of victories, thanks to his 19th World Cup win, achieved in 2 minutes, 23.99 seconds at in Giant on the slopes of Adelboden, Switzerland.
While taking the lead out of the first run with a 0.64 second lead over Philip Shoerghofer, Alexis faced stiff competition in the second heat from Marcel Hirscher who went all-out. Alexis Pinturault’s rigour and training paid off with some high-risk moves on the Chuenisbärgli, allowing him to edge out Hirscher by 0.04 seconds, and beating fellow countryman Philip Shoerghofer by 1.94 seconds. ‘We gave everyone a good race, a great showdown. I’m very happy with the result, with my excellent first run, and Marcel had a truly amazing second run. I did everything I could to hold onto my lead, and in the end, it was touch and go!’
Our partner has now claimed three victories in Giant slalom so far this season. ‘I’m thrilled to have surpassed Jean-Claude’s (Killy) record of World Cup victories, but he remains an all-time great of French and Olympic sportsmanship. I’m very proud to have my name beside his.’
Hirscher and Pinturault are the uncontested rulers of the Giant slalom, winners of four in the last five races.
‘Sometimes it’s him, sometimes it’s me. Each race, we have to push to mutually surpass each other.’
Nicknamed ‘The Beast’ for his physique, which at 1.80 metres and 80 kilograms (5’11”/176 lbs) is imposing for a technical skier, Alexis has focused on strength training in the past year. While he earned the moniker ‘Giant of Adelboden’ entirely based on his performance, he stands ready to confirm it in stature.
Having clearly demonstrated his talent by midseason, Alexis Pinturault’s performance suggests that he may be setting new records before the season’s end in March. Meanwhile, the RM 035 he has worn for the last two years will shortly be replaced with the new RM 035 Ultimate Edition. This latest edition of the series, in Carbon TPTTM, is limited to 35 pieces and will be available exclusively at Richard Mille boutiques starting in early March.
Let us hope that this launch sees the new piece on Alexis’ wrist at the top of the podium.
