Henrik Kristoffersen/ GEPA picture
Henrik Kristoffersen on Top After Run 1 in Adelboden, Field Stacked Close Behind
First Run — Top Five
- 1st · 🇳🇴 Henrik Kristoffersen
- 2nd · 🇳🇴 Atle Lie McGrath — +0.10
- 3rd · 🇫🇮 Eduard Hallberg — +0.18
- 4th · 🇫🇷 Paco Rassat — +0.31
- 5th · 🇨🇭 Loïc Meillard — +0.39
After heavy snowfall overnight, the sun finally broke through over Adelboden, and the Chuenisbärgli crew delivered a rock solid surface under demanding January light. The timing board tells the story. Just 0.61 seconds separate the top 10 after the opening run, with momentum and medals still very much up for grabs. It sets the stage for another tight, high stakes second run and one that promises to be exciting to watch.
High-Bib Impact — Starters 31+ Who Qualified
- 🇨🇭 Marc Rochat (Bib 37, 1992) — 17th, +1.35 (Nordica)
- 🇳🇴 Eirik Hystad Solberg (Bib 34, 2002) — 22nd, +1.78
- 🇬🇧 Billy Major (Bib 32, 1996) — 23rd, +1.81 (HEAD)
- 🇸🇪 Fabian Ax Swartz (Bib 50, 2004) — 24th, +1.91
- 🇨🇭 Ramon Zenhäusern (Bib 33, 1992) — 26th, +2.10
- 🇮🇹 Corrado Barbera (Bib 66, 2002) — 28th, +2.14
- 🇮🇹 Tobias Kastlunger (Bib 38, 1999) — 29th, +2.17 (HEAD)
- 🇯🇵 Shiro Aihara (Bib 60, 2001) — 30th, +2.19 (Atomic)
Notable
• Best finisher from bib 31+: Marc Rochat (SUI), 17th
• Highest bib: Corrado Barbera (ITA), bib 66
Kristoffersen Leads with Precision and Revenge, Norwegians Battle at the Top
Henrik Kristoffersen executed the top of the Chuenisbärgli flawlessly, but it was the steep pitch that won the first run. His skis stayed perfectly connected to the snow, allowing him to carry speed and control through the most demanding section. Kristoffersen finished Run 1 in first place, looking determined after a 15th-place finish in his last slalom at Madonna di Campiglio, proving he was skiing looking for some revenge.
The fight between the Norwegians continues. Atle Lie McGrath, sitting second, has been finding some consistency in his slalom. After finishing 8th in Madonna di Campiglio, he was looking to redeem himself and chase the top spot, as he accomplished in Alta Badia. He delivered a strong, aggressive run from the top and will be looking to overcome Henrik in Run 2. Lie McGrath is sitting just 0.28 seconds off the pace. The Norwegian brings plenty of experience to the battle, with 18 career World Cup podiums, 13 in slalom and 4 victories, making him a serious contender.
Young Eduard Hallberg is so fun to watch this season. Sitting in third after Run 1, only 0.29 seconds behind Henrik and just one hundredth off McGrath, he has set up a thrilling second run. Hallberg has had two World Cup podiums, both in slalom, but no victories yet, and he has never raced in Adelboden before. He showed veteran attack on the bottom pitch, where many racers lost precious time. With such tight margins, Run 2 promises an exciting showdown on the Chuenisbärgli.
USA, GBR, CAN: Mixed Fortunes in Adelboden Slalom
🇺🇸 United States
Jett Seymour came close to qualifying but was bumped out of the top 30 by some late bibs. Luke Winters made too many mistakes to advance, though he showed speed and aggression on the top section. Ben Ritchie put it on a hip on the pitch, skiing with great speed and strong form, but the steep pitch got him and he was unable to finish.
🇬🇧 Great Britain
Dave Ryding delivered a consistently solid run, sitting +1.29 seconds back in 15th place, keeping himself firmly in contention for Run 2. Billy Major also had a strong performance, qualifying 23rd (+1.81) from Bib 32, putting him in striking distance for a second-run charge. Laurie Taylor sits +2.01 and will be looking to clean up a couple of spots in Run 2.
- 🇬🇧 Bib 17 — Dave Ryding (1986) — 15th — +1.29 — HEAD
- 🇬🇧 Bib 32 — Billy Major (1996) — 23rd — +1.81 — HEAD
- 🇬🇧 Bib 25 — Laurie Taylor (1996) — 25th — +2.01 — HEAD
🇨🇦 Canada
Erik Read was the lone Canadian starter and unfortunately DNF’d, ending his day early.
Setting the Stage for Run 2
With Henrik Kristoffersen leading and Atle Lie McGrath and Eduard Hallberg separated by mere hundredths, Run 2 promises a thrilling battle at the top. The Norwegians are poised to fight for the win, while Hallberg could steal a podium with another aggressive push on the bottom pitch. Behind them, racers like Dave Ryding and Billy Major are in striking distance, meaning the second run will see a tight, high-stakes fight for every spot. The challenging Chuenisbärgli will demand flawless execution. With razor-thin margins across the top 10, this promises to be a must-watch showdown in Adelboden.
First Run top thirty
Click images to enlarge
First Run Analysis of the fastest three, North American and British Qualifier
About the Author: Katie Twible
