Haugan, Kristoffersen, Feller: GEPA pictures
Kristoffersen Conquers Kranjska Gora with a Brilliant Second Run
With only the seven fastest skiers from the first run left at the start, Victor Muffat-Jeandet’s remarkable climb up the standings reached 18 positions, eventually 20, to finish 6th. Still, the true battle for victory was about to begin. The best in the world were still waiting to unleash their speed.
Kristoffersen Sets the Standard
The first to attack was Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen, fresh off his giant slalom victory yesterday. The two-time Kranjska Gora winner delivered a masterful run, skiing with total command and snatching the lead by 0.47 seconds. His time set the bar, but it would face the ultimate test.
Feller Challenges, but Falls Short
Next up, Austria’s Manuel Feller, the reigning World Cup slalom champion, matched Kristoffersen’s first-run time but couldn’t match his second-run brilliance. Feller finished 0.23 seconds behind, settling for second place—for now.
Noël and McGrath Unable to Shake Up the Podium
Then came France’s Clément Noël, the season’s most dominant slalom skier with four wins in 2024-25. But today, he couldn’t find the magic. His time fell well short, leaving him out of podium contention.
Atle Lie McGrath, the World Championship silver medalist, followed, charging out of the start in search of a Norwegian one-two. He attacked the course aggressively, but it wasn’t enough. McGrath crossed the line into fifth, unable to shake up the top three.
Nef and Haugan Lock in a Norwegian Double-Podium
With just three skiers left, Swiss skier Tanguy Nef was next. The former Dartmouth College standout was chasing his first-ever World Cup podium, and he skied with focus and intensity. But even with a brilliant run, he finished behind both Kristoffersen and Feller, moving into third place for the moment.
Kristoffersen was now guaranteed a podium, but the race wasn’t over yet.
His teammate Timon Haugan, a two-time slalom winner this season, charged onto the course with the same determination that earned him victory twice this winter. He pushed to the limit but finished 0.17 seconds behind Kristoffersen, slotting into second place and securing a Norwegian double-podium.
Meillard Falls Short—Kristoffersen Rules Kranjska Gora
Everything rested on Loïc Meillard, the newly crowned slalom World Champion. Chasing his first World Cup victory of the season, he launched down the course with purpose, but he couldn’t match the ferocious pace of the Norwegians and Feller. As he crossed the line 4th, the result was official—Kristoffersen had done it!
Kristoffersen Claims Double Victory in Kranjska Gora
With a flawless second run and a masterclass in ski racing, Henrik Kristoffersen cemented his dominance, winning both the giant slalom and the slalom in Kranjska Gora. Timon Haugan joined him on the podium in second, with Feller in third, claiming his first podium of the season.
Once again, Kristoffersen proved that Kranjska Gora belongs to him.
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Kristoffersen on His Historic Double Victory
Henrik Kristoffersen, never one to show much emotion, still acknowledged the magnitude of his achievement after clinching back-to-back wins in Kranjska Gora.
“It was a good second run. I think I still messed up the top and second part a little bit, but the bottom skied really well, and the middle was very good. It was really tight today, so I’m lucky to be on the right side of the hundredths.”
For Kristoffersen, the victory held special significance—his first-ever weekend sweep in both giant slalom and slalom.
“I’ve been many times second in GS, first in slalom, first in GS, second in slalom. I’ve also won double weekends in both GS and both in slalom, but never in GS and slalom together. So this was a big goal for me. Very happy with today and the double from Norway. First time, double Norwegian—not too bad.”
Even without outward celebration, his words made it clear—this win meant something big.
Haugan on His Breakthrough Performance
For Timon Haugan, this podium finish in Kranjska Gora wasn’t just another strong result—it was a massive leap forward. His best-ever finish on this track by a mile, Haugan’s previous top result here was 20th in 2021, making this second-place finish even sweeter.
“It was close, very close,” Haugan said. “The second run was very difficult. It’s been a great season for us, really, and it’s the first double win for Henrik and me with Van Deer, which is really cool.”
The result felt even more special because of his connection to the venue. “I’ve always really liked Kranjska, so I’m very happy to get my first podium here.”
From 20th to standing on the podium, Haugan proved he belongs among the world’s best.
Feller on Fighting for the Podium in Kranjska Gora
Manuel Feller had to battle for every hundredth of a second on his way to his first podium of the season, overcoming a challenging second run that nearly ended in disaster.
“My skiing—on the first run, the middle part was not that good, but still a solid run,” Feller admitted. “On the second run, I was a little bit surprised after I crossed the finish line that I was only two-tenths behind, because the first part was not good.”
The Austrian knew he had pushed the limits, barely staying on course. “I was close to a DNF on the inside ski two times. I was too straight, and for that, it was a really good race. So I’m super happy for the podium.”
Seeing Tanguy Nef finish behind him made Feller realize just how tough the course had become. “When Tanguy was behind me, I thought, ‘OK, maybe it wasn’t too easy to ski.’ I didn’t expect Loïc to not advance me. I’m happy because Loïc is the best technical skier right now.”
Beyond the competition, Feller appreciated the moment. “The day was amazing—blue sky, an awesome atmosphere, a perfect ski day.”
After a grueling start to the season, Feller’s podium finish in Kranjska Gora felt like a well-earned reward.
Muffat-Jeandet Takes Command as Second Run Drama Unfolds
The second run of the Kranjska Gora slalom erupted with intensity as the 30 qualified racers launched themselves down the demanding course. With the start order reversed, the early starters fought to lay down a time that could withstand the onslaught of faster first-run competitors.
Swiss veteran Luca Aerni was the first to attack, skiing with determination and setting the initial benchmark. His run held up until Kristoffer Jakobsen of Sweden, the fourth racer down, edged him by 0.05 seconds, temporarily taking the top spot.
But the Swedish skier barely had time to savor the lead before France’s Muffat-Jeandet exploded onto the course. With bold turns and excellent timing, he attacked every sector and crossed the line 0.94 seconds faster, seizing control of the race.
With ten racers down, Muffat-Jeandet led the standings, followed by Croatia’s Istok Rodes, 0.64 seconds back, and Austria’s Michael Matt, 0.70 behind.
With a commanding lead, Muffat-Jeandet settled into the leader’s chair, sporting his signature lion hat, as skier after skier launched their challenge. Each attempt to unseat him fell short—for now.
The battle for the podium remained wide open, and the real showdown was beginning.
Warm Temperatures Add to the Challenge as Vinatzer Moves into Second
The second run battle in Kranjska Gora reached the halfway point with fifteen racers down, but the leaderboard remained largely unchanged at the top.
Warmer temperatures softened the course despite its well-prepared salted surface, making delivering a blazing-fast second run more challenging. The grooves deepened, making each turn more demanding and punishing any hesitation.
Among those pushing through the conditions, Italy’s Alex Vinatzer delivered a strong, aggressive run, but it wasn’t enough to knock Muffat-Jeandet off the top. Vinatzer slotted into second place, 0.47 seconds behind the French leader, with half the field still to ski.
With the course getting trickier and the fastest from the first run yet to attack, the battle for victory remained wide open. Every skier left in the competition knows that one daring, well-timed descent could rewrite the standings instantly.
The fight was far from over.
Muffat-Jeandet Holds Firm as the Final Six Prepare to Strike
With 22 racers down, Muffat-Jeandet’s extraordinary rise up the leaderboard remained intact. Now up 17 positions, the French skier still controlled the race, gripping the leader’s chair as the pressure mounted.
Italy’s Alex Vinatzer continued to hold second place, while Croatia’s Istok Rodes, who had climbed 12 spots, remained in third.
Austria’s Fabio Gstrein had come agonizingly close to taking the lead, cutting into his 1.25-second advantage over Muffat-Jeandet but falling just 0.11 seconds short.
Only six racers remained, each among the fastest from the first run. The stakes couldn’t be higher—could Muffat-Jeandet’s charge stand the test, or would the top contenders deliver something spectacular?
Everything was about to be decided, and now it is Kranjska Gora’s history.
Kristoffersen Completes the Sweep in Kranjska Gora
With a near flawless second run and a masterclass in ski racing, Henrik Kristoffersen delivered a weekend of dominance, winning both the giant slalom and the slalom in Kranjska Gora. Timon Haugan secured second, ensuring a Norwegian double-podium, while Feller’s third-place finish marked his first podium of the season.
From start to finish, the Kranjska Gora slalom was a battle of skill, risk, and incredible timing. The course demanded everything, and in the end, it was Kristoffersen who delivered the perfect balance of aggression and control. With two wins in two days, he cemented his status as one of the kings of Kranjska Gora.
The World Cup slalom fight continues, but today, Norway reigns supreme.
Results:
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Analysis of the Fastest Three
About the Author: Peter Lange
