11 December 1988, Madonna di Campiglio (World Cup)
It has gone down in history as the “40,000 edition”: that was the estimated number of spectators — perhaps with a touch of exaggeration — who literally surrounded the Canalone Miramonti in December 1988 to witness the exploits of the great Alberto Tomba.
The champion from Bologna does not disappoint, giving the Italian fans an unforgettable victory ahead of Marc Girardelli and Austria’s Michael Tritscher.
But not without a dramatic twist. At the start gate for the second run, Tomba breaks a buckle on his left ski boot, which is quickly repaired by the technician at his side.
The incident pushes the limits of the regulations and, for a few tense moments, puts Tomba’s victory at risk. In the end, however, common sense and sportsmanship prevail among the team captains of the other nations, allowing his memorable triumph to stand.
Results:
Slalom
1. Alberto Tomba (ITA)
2. Marc Girardelli (LUX)
3. Michael Trischer (AUT)
