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Daily Program, Start List & Key Storylines
The men’s World Cup slalom season opens Sunday in Levi, Finland, where proven winners, rising talents, and Olympic-year pressure collide in the Arctic Circle light. Last year’s race delivered big surprises and breakout runs, and this opener brings even higher pressure — from athletes chasing Olympic selection to stars fighting for valuable Bormio start positions.
Elite 7 – First Run Start List
- Loïc Meillard — bib 1 (SUI)
- Atle Lie McGrath — bib 2 (NOR)
- Timon Haugan — bib 3 (NOR)
- Lucas Pinheiro Braathen — bib 4 (BRA)
- Fabio Gstrein — bib 5 (AUT)
- Clément Noël — bib 6 (FRA)
- Henrik Kristoffersen — bib 7 (NOR)
Stifel U.S. Ski Team
- Benjamin Ritchie — bib 17
- Jett Seymour — bib 42
- Luke Winters — bib 46
- Stanley Buzek — bib 63, WC Rookie
- Cooper Puckett — bib 69
Canada
- Erik Read — bib 66
- Liam Wallace — bib 75
Great Britain
- Dave Ryding — bib 9
- Laurie Taylor — bib 32
- Billy Major — bib 34
- Luca Carrick-Smith — bib 65, WC Rookie
The Favorites: Noël, Kristoffersen, Meillard, Braathen & Nef
Last year’s Levi podium — Clément Noël, Henrik Kristoffersen, and Loïc Meillard — returns as the core of the slalom field. Noël dominated the 2024 Levi opener by 0.80 seconds before injury interrupted his season. Kristoffersen went on to win the 2025 slalom globe. Meillard arrives as the reigning world champion with the most complete technical package on the circuit.
Two rising contenders also start the season with momentum: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who surged from bib 33 to fourth in Levi last year for Brazil, and Tanguy Nef, whose career-best fifth helped push him into the top 10 of the final standings. All five enter Sunday as clear podium threats.
Norway Missing a Key Star
Alexander Steen Olsen remains sidelined with a painful knee issue that the Norwegian federation is still evaluating for possible surgery, removing one of the sport’s brightest young technical skiers from the opener.
Why Levi Matters
Levi demands sharp timing, balance, and the courage to stay aggressive across shifting terrain. It’s a slope that rewards risk, exposes hesitation, and sets the tone for the season — especially in an Olympic year.
Ski Racing Media will provide full first-run and second-run coverage as the men’s slalom season comes to life above the Arctic Circle.
Course setters — First run: Pavel Grasic (CRO) Second run: Thierry Meynet (SUI)
Men Race Sunday
The men take the hill on Sunday, Nov. 16, with the first run at 4:00 a.m. EDT / 1:00 a.m. PDT and the second run at 7:00 a.m. EDT / 4:00 a.m. PDT.
For U.S. viewers looking to sign up for the Ski and Snowboard Live streaming service, use this link to access available discount codes.
- United States: Live and replay coverage on Ski and Snowboard Live.
- Canada: Stream on CBC Sports.
- Great Britain: Both races air live on Discovery+ — first run 9:00 a.m., second run 12:00 p.m. UK time.
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Daily Program Levi SL Sunday, Nov 16th
First Run Starlist Men’s SL Levi
About the Author: Peter Lange
