The Men's Classic Slalom race on the demanding "Canalone Miramonti" in Madonna di Campiglio ended with a huge surprise on Wednesday evening. The first race of the Alpine Ski World Cup in 2025 brought another first-time winner: 27-year-old Bulgarian Albert Popov. It is Bulgaria's second victory in the Alpine Ski World Cup. On January 8, 1980, Petar Popangelov won the Slalom in Lenggries, Germany, exactly 45 years to the day.
Previously, Albert Popov stood on the World Cup podium once when he finished third in the Slalom in Palisades Tahoe in February 2023.
Popov laid the foundations for his victory with a sensational second run, setting the fastest time to move from 8th to the top of the podium.
"That was everything I trained for. I am proud of myself, my team, and my family. We achieved this together. It is the best feeling I've ever had. I looked at the course and thought: it's all or nothing. I knew that I had to ski full throttle on the steep section and I'm glad that it worked out the way I planned. Winning this race 45 years after Petar Popangelov's victory means a lot to me," Popov said.
“It's a dream come true and it's been a long time coming. I've waited a long time. I'm happy it's in Madonna di Campiglio. I love the race, I love the slope, I love the people here. A win or a podium just gives you the energy to keep going, to keep moving forward, and to stay motivated," Popov added.
Loic Meillard finished in second place 0.44 seconds behind the Bulgarian and made it onto the Slalom podium for the fourth time in the season. The 28-year-old Swiss skier is now leading the Slalom standings. The all-rounder is in third place in the Overall World Cup standings.
"The first run was very stable. In the second run, I felt that I was always a bit late because the skis were always a bit off and the line wasn't perfect. The consistency is there in the slalom - it's a difficult discipline to have. Wearing the red bib at home is brilliant. I'm looking forward to the weekend," Meillard said.
Samuel Kolega from Croatia finished in third place 0.46 seconds behind Popov and claimed his first podium in the World Cup.
"I'm really lost for words a little bit right now. It's not just the podium for me today, I never actually scored World Cup points on this hill before and today it was really such a breakthrough for me. I'm full of confidence now and I just want to carry this now for the rest of the season," Kolega said.
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