Junior Worlds: Clement Noel wins slalom in dominant fashion

(Davos, Switzerland) Clement Noel of France won his first Junior World Championship gold on 7th February 2018 in dominant fashion.

Carrying a clear lead from his opening run, he also skied the fastest second leg, which was covered by clouds, to claim gold. It was France’s first gold medal at these Championships.

Alex Vinatzer of Italy finished +2.77 seconds behind to claim silver with Joachim Jagge Lindstoel of Norway taking bronze, +3.18 seconds off the winning pace. It was their first Junior World Championship medal.

20-year-old Noel, who competed at his last Junior World Championships, was the clear favourite, with many FIS World Cup starts to his belt.  He recently turned sixth at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup slalom in Schladming (AUT) and eight at the prestigious slalom in Kitzbuehel (AUT).

“Winning here in Davos is a big achievement for me. It was a tough race with many athletes dropping out and I think my experience from World Cup level has helped me a lot to ski so well. I am really happy with this gold medal”, he said.

Switzerland still in the lead

While Switzerland still occupies first place in the medals standings, the race for the prestigious Marc Hodler Trophy is still open with Switzerland leading ahead of Austria by a mere seven points. The ladies’ downhill, which will close the Championships on 8th February, will determine the winner.

Follow the race on livestream: https://www.swiss-ski.ch/davos2018