Braathen looking ahead in Madonna di Campiglio first run: PHOTO Credit GEPA

The first run of Madonna di Campiglio’s race has delivered a great story. The Madonna di Campiglio night racing is spectacular, and tonight the snow conditions are firm but grippy. The slope is a legitimate challenge for even the best slalom skiers; mistakes are always nearby. Not surprisingly, Lucas Braathen leads the field

Bib one was Swiss athlete Loic Meillard, and Meillard executed an excellent run. After the first four crossed the finish, Meilard was leading the small group of the world’s best. Notably, only 0.32 of a second separated the four. The fans experienced a great high-performance show and will enjoy an exciting second run.

However, currently, there is the world’s number one. In slalom, it is Lucas Braathen. There is no longer anyone paying attention who is surprised that; Braathen displayed his mastery. Skiing with a balance and precision that is possible only with near-perfect timing, Braathen crossed the finish 0.42 seconds ahead of the talented Meillard. If Braathen is near his best, he will be tough to beat. However, mistakes happen, and a 0.42 of a second advantage can disappear instantly.

Exciting the Austrian crowd skiing with bib, 26, was Fabio Gstrein. Gstrein finished the first run, tied sixth with his Olympic medalist teammate Johannes Strolz. They are both 0.79 of a second behind Braathen but well within touch of a podium. Right behind them is Austrian Manuel Feller, 0.80 back. Adrian Pertl sits in 10th, giving the Austrians four racers in the top ten going into the second run.

Notably, Britain has qualified three skiers for the final run. Unsurprisingly David Ryding is their fastest in 8th but bib 42, Billy Major qualified 19th, and his teammate bib 60, Laurie Taylor, finished 26th. Today is the first time three British racers have qualified for the second run in the same World Cup. Taylor is also the highest bib in the race to advance to the second run.

Canadian Erik Read is the sole North American to qualify for the second run. Read had challenges on his first attempt, but after finishing 30th fastest in the first test, he will start 1st in the final run. Read remains the only North American male to qualify for the second run of World Cup slalom this season.

Six athletes with start numbers above 30 could qualify for the second run. Two skiers from each Great Britain, Switzerland, and Germany. Both Austria and Switzerland have a total of six racers competing in the finale.

First, run analysis and top 30 results of the Madonna di Campiglio night

Top 30 first run results, Madonna di Campiglio, December 22nd