Norway secures a podium clean sweep at the Giant Slalom season opener in Soelden, with Alexander Steen Olsen claiming the top spot, Henrik Kristoffersen finishing second, and Atle Lie McGrath coming in third in the battle for victory.
For 23-year-old Steen Olsen, who made two all-in runs, the first-place today marks his second Alpine Ski World Cup victory -he won the Palisades Tahoe Slalom in February 2023-, and second Giant Slalom podium finish.
Steen Olsen joins the list of two Norwegian skiers who have won the Soelden Giant Slalom at the World Cup: Aksel Lund Svindal (2007) and Lucas Braathen (2020).
"I've been in that position a couple of times now, and for sure, that helps. I learned from my mistakes, I wasn't afraid. It's a tough course and I went full gas. I know my rivals, so I had to give it my all. I just have to concentrate on my skiing and enjoy it," Steen Olsen said.
Kristoffersen finished +0.65 seconds behind his teammate. The Norwegian has finished on the podium of a Giant Slalom event 34 times.
Today's second place is Kristoffersen's best result in Soelden. His best result so far was a third place in 2022. He has competed nine times in Sölden and before his podium finish in 2022, his best results were fifth place in 2020, sixth in 2015, and eighth in 2016.
"I am really satisfied with my second place today, Alexander was in a league of his own. I lost time on the flat, but I'm working on it. The material works great. It's the same material, but the edges are different. There was no stress before Soelden this year because I know the material and setup are fine. That way I can focus on my skiing," Kristoffersen said.
"Very good skiing, really good on the pitch. On both runs, I lost a bit of time on the flat. This was somewhat expected. But better than previous years," he added.
McGrath, aged 24, achieved his 10th podium in the Alpine Ski World Cup today, finishing just one-hundredth of a second behind Kristoffersen.
"That’s just a moment I’m going to cherish forever. So incredible. I guess I've made some big improvements in Giant Slalom the past months," McGrath said.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who now competes for Brazil, came 4th with starting number 41. The 24-year-old finished 0.90 seconds behind the winner after setting the best time in the second run. He gives Brazil its first-ever points in the Alpine Ski World Cup.
"I don't know what to say. For me it was magic. I had a good feeling on the snow and I know my potential. I'm so happy, I hope my story is an inspiration for others," Braathen said.
Marcel Hirscher made an emotional and successful comeback in the Alpine Ski World Cup today in Soelden. The 35-year-old from Salzburg, who competes for the Netherlands, finished in 23rd place.
"It's very emotional, it's very nice. Skiing has always been my life, and it still is. But I could have lost a lot if I was six seconds behind. Then people would have said he's gotten old. Which I am. But just the feeling of being able to race again is a real privilege," Hirscher said.
Marco Odermatt did not finish (DNF) the first run and was out of the battle for victory. The 27-year-old Swiss, who won nine out of ten Giant Slaloms last season, was eliminated this time after strong intermediate times on the steep slope. "It wasn't much of a difference. It was a small wave that I overlooked. I was a bit too direct and too motivated. Up until that point, it was cool, everything was perfect. So I wanted to take a risk. I did that, but unfortunately, it didn't work out," said the 2024 overall World Cup winner.
Loïc Meillard had to withdraw from today's race at the last minute due to a back injury sustained during the warm-up. The injury hindered his ability to compete in the season's opening race.
After Marco Odermatt's elimination in the first run and Loïc Meillard's forfeit, the Swiss were unable to compete for the podium places.
17,200 spectators were attending the Ski World Cup in Soelden. With Saturday's record attendance of 15,800, the total number of spectators for the weekend has reached 33,000. This also sets a new record, as there have never been so many spectators at the Alpine Ski World Cup weekend before.
The Alpine Ski World Cup has a three-week break before the competition resumes in Levi. The first Slalom of the season for Women and Men will take place in Finland, and the second one week later in Gurgl, Austria.
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