Unbelievable first slalom World Cup victory

Heading into today’s men’s slalom, there were some clear favourites such as Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) and Clémont Noel (FRA), who had both claimed two victories at the classical slalom. Hoping for podium finishes were other favourites, such as Manuel Feller (AUT) and Sebastian Foss-Solevaag (NOR), who have been on top form in recent races. But what occurred today, was truly remarkable.

Qualifying by only 0.06 seconds, Lucas Braathen (NOR) started second in the second run this afternoon, where he put in an astonishing run that landed him on the leader board. One by one, racers tackled the course to take Braathen’s place, however, none were successful. Some made mistakes that cost them too much time, whilst others forced too much, which resulted in DNFs. As the race continued, with Braathen still sat in the hot seat, the racer along with the spectators were left stunned by what was occurring. The final racer and leader after the first run, Kristoffersen, was heading down the course and in the green at each interval, but just before the finish, Kristoffersen hit a gate which resulted in a DNF. This secured Braathen’s first slalom World Cup victory and possible one of the best slalom comebacks.

Daniel Yule (SUI), placed 2nd overall with 0.22 seconds behind the leader, which ensured that at least one Swiss athlete finished on the podium at each of the races in Wengen.  

The last time that Giuliano Razzoli (ITA) stood on a slalom World Cup podium was in Wengen back in 2016, where he placed 2nd. Today, the hard work and self-determination paid off as he claimed 3rd place, 0.29 seconds behind Braathen.

Austrian skier, Manuel Feller, who had placed 2nd in the last slalom race put in a fast first run claiming 2nd place, however after a few minor mistakes on the lower half of his second run, finished 5th. Returning from an injury incurred in Adelboden (SUI), Foss-Solevagg finished 6th overall after placing 3rd after the first run. Finishing 4th in the first run, Noel finished 8th with a total time difference of 0.51 seconds on the leader. Nonetheless, there was another surprise of the day. Alexander Schmid (GER), starting at the back of the pack with bib 67, qualified for a slalom World Cup second run for the first time in his career. Schmid finished 14th after completing his second run.