Rising star Lucas Braathen conquers first World Cup victory
Oct 18, 2020·Alpine Skiing20 year-old Norwegian Lucas Braathen (NOR) stole the show at today’s Audi FIS World Cup 2020/21 opening race in Soelden, skiing under perfect conditions and blue skies. The Norwegian youngster edged Marco Odermatt (SUI) by 0.06 seconds to claim his first-ever World Cup win.
Fifth in the first run, Braathen attacked the Rettenbach slope for the second time in his career (he finished 6th with bib 40 last year) with his light-hearted and fearless attitude that enabled him to achieve his first World Cup victory after only 23 races from his debut.
Are you wondering who Lucas Braathen is? Here you can find a taste of his exceptional story.
The second run was crucial also for another young talent, Marco Odermatt (SUI) who conquered his first World Cup victory in super G last season. Odermatt was the fastest skier in the second run and was able to climb back from the seventh place.
Swiss team-mate Gino Caviezel (SUI), who was in the lead in the first run, completed the podium with a solid second run. It's the first World Cup podium for Caviezel!
The long-awaited "veterans" finished just off the podium: defending Sölden champion Alexis Pinturault (FRA) finished fourth, Giant Slalom globe winner Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) fifth and Zan Kranjec (SLO) seventh.
The tour now goes on a break before action resumes in Lech/Zürs (AUT) mid-November for the Parallel debut.