Henrik Kristoffersen claims his first World Championship gold medal

The Norwegian found his way back to the top of the podium and he chose one of the most important races of the season to do so, earning his first World Championship medal ahead of his main contenders in giant slalom: Marcel Hirscher and Alexis Pinturault.

The World Ski Championships in Åre was the stage of a very exciting giant slalom race, where the best athletes of the season battled hard to claim the medals. The winning trio is used to podium placements, as all three stood together on a giant slalom podium seven times already between the World Cup and the Olympics. But never in that configuration, with Henrik Kristoffersen at the top.

His last World Cup win came in the slalom in Kitzbuehel in 2018, and his last and only World Cup win in the giant slalom was from Méribel 2015. So it was about time for Kristoffersen to be back on the top of the podium. After three fourth places and no medal at World Championships so far, the pressure was high and the Norwegian tech whiz proved that he can stand it. His first run was solid, finishing +0.18 off the winning pace, but his second run was incredibly smooth and fast. In the end it was -0.20 faster than his closest contender.

In second place, Marcel Hirscher claimed his eighth World Championship medal, the fourth in giant slalom. The Austrian travelled to Åre with the flue and wasn’t feeling very fit in the days preceding today’s giant slalom. But right in time for his first race at these World Championships, he was feeling better and ready to push hard. Despite he wasn’t able to defend his title from St. Moritz 2017, he was very happy with a medal considering the chaotic preparation.

The last spot went to Frenchman Alexis Pinturault. After having a hard time at the World Championships in St. Moritz, where he wasn’t able to earn a medal, Pinturault started in the week with his first World Champion title in the Alpine Combined. The relief was big, but he also became hungry for more. In the lead after the first run, he was in a good position for another medal, and despite falling back two spots, he could celebrate another bronze medal, the second of his career after his third place in Vail Beaver Creek in 2015.

Tomorrow, the ladies’ will run their World Championship slalom, and then the men will conclude the successful races at Åre 2019 on Sunday with the last medal event.

Results are available here: WSC Are 2019 GS

Quotes form the Top 3 are available here: Soundcloud