Schladming slalom podium Feller, Haugan, Gstrein: GEPA pictures
Austrian Fans Ignite the Night
As promised, more than 40,000 Austrian fans returned to the finish stadium, louder and more energized than before. The atmosphere, already electric in the first run, surged to another level as the crowd roared in anticipation of the second run. Schladming’s night slalom once again proved why it stands among the sport’s most electrifying events.
Norway Sweeps Schladming Night Races
A Norwegian skier claimed victory under the Planai lights in Schladming for the second time in two days. After Alexander Steen Olsen won the Schladming giant slalom, Timon Haugan delivered another Norwegian triumph in slalom, securing a clean sweep for Norway at this legendary venue.
Final Six Prepare to Battle
With only the fastest six from the first run remaining, the Austrian crowd erupted as Austria’s Fabio Gstrein sat atop the leaderboard. World Cup slalom leader Clément Noël was next in the gate. Having already won four slaloms this season, including Kitzbühel, he was the favorite. But to the shock of the crowd, Noël failed to finish, exiting the course early and eliminating his chances of extending his dominant season.
With five skiers left, an Austrian led on home soil, and the fans were ready to celebrate.
McGrath Sets the Standard
The first of the fastest initial run five to ski was Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath. He confidently attacked the course but crossed the finish 0.21 seconds behind Gstrein, momentarily settling into second place.
Feller Fires Up the Crowd
Next in the start gate was Austria’s Manuel Feller, the reigning World Cup slalom champion. As expected, Feller attacked with his signature aggressive style, skiing at the very limit of control. The crowd erupted as he charged through the final gates, crossing the line with a new leading time and pushing Gstrein to second.
Austria now held the top two positions, with three racers left to challenge them.
Meillard Falls Short
Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard was next to take on the Austrians. The ever-consistent skier delivered a smooth run but lost valuable speed in the lower section. He slotted into third place, ensuring Feller a guaranteed podium finish.
With two racers left, Austria was still holding the top two spots in front of a roaring home crowd.
Haugan Delivers Under Pressure
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Norway’s Timon Haugan skied with fearless aggression, walking the fine line between control and risk. His effort paid off as he crossed the finish in first place, edging ahead of Feller and pushing Gstrein down to third.
His mental approach proved key to his success. “I just kept telling myself, ‘Keep moving forward, move to the outside ski.’ Over and over again, really repeating that and not thinking about winning—just thinking about the skiing.”
With only Germany’s Linus Strasser, last year’s Schladming winner, left at the start gate, Haugan and Feller were guaranteed podium finishes.
Strasser Can’t Repeat
Strasser had one final chance to spoil Austria’s double podium, but he struggled to find the rhythm that had earned him victory in Schladming the previous season. Crossing the line 0.77 seconds behind Haugan, he missed the podium, locking in Haugan’s second slalom victory of the season.
Final Podium and Austrian Celebration
1. Timon Haugan (NOR) – Second World Cup slalom victory of the season.
2. Manuel Feller (AUT) – First podium of the season.
3. Fabio Gstrein (AUT) – First individual World Cup podium of his career.
Manuel Feller on His Schladming Podium
“There could be a better place in the ranking, but overall, I am super happy,” a beaming Manuel Feller said in the finish area after securing his first podium of the season. “It was a tough fight all season, and of course, the second run was a battle as well. So, I am super proud of myself and my second run today.”
Feller, known for his aggressive skiing, credited his improved approach for the result. “I found my balance and the way to risk a bit more,” he explained. His second-place finish was made even more special by sharing the podium with teammate Fabio Gstrein, who earned his first career World Cup podium. “Super happy with the podium and that I can share it with Fabio on his first.”
Fabio Gstrein on His First World Cup Podium
“Really cool—first podium at home, Schladming,” Fabio Gstrein said, still shaking his head in disbelief.
The 27-year-old Austrian, who had yet to break onto a World Cup podium, kept things simple in his approach. “I skied like I always do. I tried to do like in training—good skiing and not be stressful—and I think it worked.”
With the home crowd roaring in celebration, Gstrein admitted he hadn’t fully processed the moment but hinted at a well-earned celebration. “Maybe now… I don’t know, could be a little party.”
Timon Haugan on His Victory in Schladming
“This is crazy—honestly, the best one so far. Schladming is just different. From the moment the first racer started the second run, the emotions were nonstop. Crossing the finish line and seeing the green light—it’s indescribable. I just tried to focus all the way down, and when I crossed the line, it was insane. Winning here is something special.”
Haugan admitted that bouncing back from a disappointing Kitzbühel race just days earlier was a challenge, but his focus remained on the process rather than the result. “The two days after Kitzbühel were tough, but I just had to forget it and move on. Tonight, I was really working with my head, trying to focus only on the skiing and not on getting revenge from Kitzbühel.”
With the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria, just a month away, this double Austrian podium gives the home team a major confidence boost heading into the season’s biggest event. Meanwhile, Norway continues to dominate Schladming’s night races, sweeping both the giant slalom (Steen Olsen) and slalom (Haugan) this season.
Early Benchmark Set
The first skier to attack the second run was Italy’s Tobias Kastlunger. Looking to capitalize on an early start, he skied a clean but controlled run, setting the time to beat at 58.30 for the second run and a 1:51.33 combined time. The slower second-run course set was evident, making every turn crucial.
Hallberg Takes Early Control
By the time ten racers had crossed the finish line, Finland’s Eduard Hallberg (bib 37) had taken over the lead. His combined time gave him a 0.39-second advantage over Great Britain’s Laurie Taylor (bib 36), who sat in second. France’s Victor Muffat-Jeandet rounded out the early podium contenders.
Ritchie Moves Up
Skiing 13th, Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Benjamin Ritchie delivered a clutch second run. He skied aggressively, crossing the finish with the green light, edging ahead by 0.06 seconds.
Ritchie has scored in five consecutive World Cup slaloms and seven this season. His aggressive skiing paid off, as he moved up nine places to finish 9th, marking the second-best result of his career and only his second top-10 finish.
“Schladming is one of the coolest races of the year, and I’m really happy with tonight. The conditions held up well despite the rain, and I felt comfortable skiing the top three-quarters of the second run. I made a few small mistakes at the bottom, but it’s only my third career top-15, so I’ll take it. It’s been a strong January, scoring in every race, and I’m focused on building consistency to keep moving up the leaderboard.”
Vinatzer Falls Short
The 15th skier to attack the second run was Italy’s Alex Vinatzer, fresh off his second-place finish in Kitzbühel. He pushed hard but was unable to surpass Ritchie’s time. With half the field still to ski, Ritchie maintained his 0.06-second lead over Belgium’s Armand Marchant.
Final Battles as the Pressure Builds
With momentum shifting, French skier Steven Amiez took over the lead, knocking Ritchie down to second while Marchant held third.
The first of the final ten to ski was Olympic silver medalist Johannes Strolz of Austria. As he pushed out of the start gate, the energy in the stadium surged once more. However, Strolz failed to finish, drawing a collective sigh from the Austrian crowd. Despite the disappointment, their top two skiers—Feller and Gstrein—remained in podium position, keeping their hopes alive.
Strong Showing for British Slalom Skiers
The British men’s slalom team put three skiers in the points for the first time this season, delivering a solid performance under the lights in Schladming. Dave Ryding led the trio with a 16th-place finish, closely followed by Laurie Taylor in 17th and Billy Major in 24th. While this isn’t the first time these three have all scored in a World Cup slalom, doing so on one of the most demanding and prestigious night races of the season is a strong accomplishment. Their collective result highlights the depth of Great Britain’s slalom team, showing they remain competitive against the world’s best.
The Schladming night slalom delivered yet another thrilling chapter in this season’s World Cup. Norway’s Haugan secured his second win of the season, Austria celebrated a double podium, and Ritchie climbed to a career-best 9th place finish.
As the World Championships approach, Schladming once again proved why it remains one of the most electric venues in Alpine skiing.
First Run Results: Top 30 Finishers
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Analysis of the Fastest Three and North American Qualifiers
About the Author: Peter Lange
