HAFJELL, Norway – The battle for the men’s giant slalom World Cup title took a dramatic turn Tuesday in Hafjell, as Lucas Pinheiro Braathen seized the lead after a stunning first-run performance, coupled with a shocking early exit from longtime leader Marco Odermatt. The Brazilian skier now stands on the cusp of claiming his first career crystal globe, while Odermatt’s hopes hang by a thread.
The opening run was marked by treacherous conditions and a major upset. Odermatt, who entered the race with a 48-point advantage in the giant slalom standings, faltered early in his run, losing control and ultimately failing to finish. This opened the door for Pinheiro Braathen, who capitalized on the opportunity, posting the fastest time of 1 minute, 11.24 seconds.
“Pinheiro” demonstrated impressive control and precision, finishing 0.21 seconds ahead of Austria’s Stefan Brennsteiner. Loïc Meillard of Switzerland sits in third place, 0.63 seconds back, still harboring hopes of challenging for the title. The race, held under rainy conditions, proved challenging for many, with several top contenders struggling to navigate the course.
Odermatt’s unexpected DNF – his second of the season in nine giant slalom races – throws the entire competition into disarray. The Swiss star, a dominant force in the discipline for the past four years, now faces an uphill battle to retain his crown. He needs a strong finish in the second run, and potentially some help from his rivals, to remain in contention. According to the standings, Odermatt could potentially settle for a top-four finish, but that relies on Meillard not winning the race.
Brennsteiner’s strong performance keeps him in the mix, as he aims for a podium finish in the overall giant slalom standings. He needs to finish second, with another skier separating him from Meillard, to maximize his chances. Fabian Gratz of Germany delivered a solid run, finishing fourth, just 0.77 seconds behind Pinheiro Braathen, and is within striking distance of his first World Cup podium.
Further down the leaderboard, Atle Lie McGrath of Norway sits in fifth, followed by Marco Schwarz of Austria in sixth. Timon Haugan of Norway and Léo Anguenot and Sam Maes of Belgium share eighth place, while Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway is tenth. Several other notable skiers, including Alexis Pinturault of France, struggled on the course, leaving them with a significant deficit heading into the second run.
The race also saw challenging performances from some of the Italian contingent. Alex Vinatzer, currently experiencing a challenging end to the season, finished in 20th place, 2.74 seconds off the pace. Giovanni Franzoni, the last starter, finished 22nd, 3.35 seconds behind Pinheiro Braathen, and will be second to last to start the second run.
First Run Results – Men’s Giant Slalom, Hafjell – World Cup Finals
- 1. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) – 1:11.24
- 2. Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT) – +0.21
- 3. Loïc Meillard (SUI) – +0.63
- 4. Fabian Gratz (GER) – +0.77
- 5. Atle Lie McGrath (NOR) – +0.97
- 6. Marco Schwarz (AUT) – +1.22
- 7. Timon Haugan (NOR) – +1.42
- 8. Léo Anguenot (BEL) – +1.51
- 8. Sam Maes (BEL) – +1.51
- 10. Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) – +1.56
- 20. Alex Vinatzer (ITA) – +2.74
- 22. Giovanni Franzoni (ITA) – +3.35
The stakes are incredibly high heading into the second run, scheduled to start at 12:30 local time (UTC+2). Pinheiro Braathen holds the advantage, but the race is far from over. Odermatt’s unexpected exit has dramatically reshaped the landscape of the giant slalom title race, and the final run promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season. The Hafjell course, known for its challenging terrain, will test the skiers’ endurance and technical skills as they battle for the coveted crystal globe.
This race isn’t just about the overall title; it’s also about individual pride and the opportunity to finish the season on a high note. Several skiers, like Gratz, are within reach of their first World Cup podium, adding another layer of excitement to the competition. The unpredictable nature of alpine skiing means that anything can happen, and fans can expect a captivating second run in Hafjell.
The second run will be crucial for determining not only the race winner but also the final giant slalom standings. With Odermatt’s fate hanging in the balance, and Pinheiro Braathen poised to claim the title, the pressure will be immense. The outcome of this race will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of the World Cup giant slalom.
Fans can follow live updates and results on the official FIS Alpine World Cup website. The race is also being broadcast on various sports networks around the globe.
The next checkpoint in the alpine skiing season is the World Cup Finals across all disciplines, continuing in Hafjell. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage.
What are your predictions for the second run? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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