Unbelievable first slalom World Cup victory
Jan 17, 2022·Alpine Skiing
Heading into today’s men’s slalom, there were some clear favourites such as Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) and Clémont Noel (FRA), Manuel Feller (AUT) and Sebastian Foss-Solevaag (NOR), who have been on top form in recent races. But today it was time for another star to shine.
Qualifying by only 0.06 seconds and in 29th place after the first run, Lucas Braathen (NOR) 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 could top his perfect run.
As the race continued, with Braathen still sat in the hot seat, the racer along with the spectators were left stunned. Kristoffersen, who led after the first run was the last obstacle, was dominating his run, but just before the finish, Kristoffersen hit a gate, securing Braathen’s first slalom World Cup victory.
It was sweet Berner Oberland redeemption for the Norwegian, who suffered a brutal crash last year in Adelboden's finish area.
Daniel Yule (SUI), finished second 0.22 seconds behind, which ensured that at least one Swiss athlete finished on the podium at each of the races in Wengen this year.
Giuliano Razzoli (ITA) ended a more than five year podium drought as he claimed third, 0.29 seconds behind Braathen.
Austrian skier, Manuel Feller, who was second in Adelboden, was second after the first run, however a few minor mistakes on the lower half of his second run, relegated him to fifth overall.
Returning from a hand injury from Adelboden that required a quick surgery, Foss-Solevagg finished sixth. Another Cinderellay story on the day was Alexander Schmid (GER), starting with bib 67, qualified for the second run for the first time in his career. He ended in 14th place for his first slalom World Cup points.
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