The changed GS technique

The Olympic men's GS was one for the history books. Imperial for Hirscher, inspiring for Kristoffersen to produce a huge come back in the second run, and impressive for Pinturault and the French Team that placed his four racers in the top seven finishers.

It must have also been humiliating for Ted Ligety who saw his own star fade precipitously during what will probably be his last Olympics. During his absence for almost two seasons due to repeated injuries, the GS technique has changed drastically and has become much more aggressive.

Instead of “milking” long, fast curves, racers (and Hirscher in particular) are now pivoting at the last minute over the gate, cutting it as close as they can, while carving the bottom portion to the next “pivot”.

This new approach seems much faster, particularly in steep terrain. Ligety is one of many racers that seem to have a difficult time adopting this new approach, sticking to his old ways, which look smoother and nicer, but have cost him an invaluable amount of time and a decent finish.

Change is always hard to absorb, especially when a method has been so productive and rewarding in the past. I can guarantee you that adapting to Hirscher's fast and furious approach is likely to be on everyone's agenda during this spring and summer...