The race itself was nail biting, with plenty of ruts on a pitch reacting to the warm spring weather. Daniel Yule (SUI), who was in contention for the Globe, crashed out, as did Fabio Gstrein (AUT), who had looked lively on the first run.
Zenhaeusern, though, absolutely loved it: the tall, rangy skier somehow carved out more fluid lines than anyone else, and turned up the intensity on the final steep section.
It was enough for the Swiss ace to grab third place in the overall slalom standings, and was redemption for an athlete who had been struggling with doubt in his ability back in autumn.
“It’s an amazing, special day, after the last year,” he said. “I haven’t had a good season, I’ve had some injuries, and I had bib number 25 at the start of the season. So now to get a victory, it is so nice.
“To see the day I did, it is so emotional. I’d like to say a big thanks to everyone who believed in me, especially the Swiss Ski Federation, and all the people we thought about me. It makes it special. It is nice to have this support.”
