Tight Field Sets the Stage for Thrilling Second Run
The morning’s first run in Val d’Isère set the stage for an electrifying second run. Steven Amiez thrilled the French crowd with the fastest time, while six racers, including Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen and Austria’s Manuel Feller, stayed within a second of his lead. Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Jett Seymour earned the right to run first in the finale by finishing 30th. With tight margins and the reverse start order, a dramatic showdown awaited.
Clear Skies Improve Conditions for the Afternoon
Fortunately for the racers and fans, the clouds lifted after the first run, providing much better visibility for the second. The improved conditions added an extra layer of excitement to an already tense competition.
Kristoffersen Claims Victory in Val d’Isère
With five skiers left to compete, Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard held the lead. Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath was next in the start gate and delivered brilliant skiing to take over first place with four contenders remaining at the top of the course. His teammate Timon Haugan followed but struggled to match the pace, finishing temporarily in sixth place with three skiers left.
“I was really frustrated after the second run yesterday, and on the first run today, I felt like I played it too safe,” McGrath admitted. “I knew I had to step it up, and I’m super happy with how I skied the second run. I was risking a lot but skiing smart—it’s so tough out there. I just went for it, tried to ski fast, and it’s so much fun when it all comes together.”
Feller and Pinheiro Braathen Tie for Fourth
Last season’s slalom champion, Austria’s Manuel Feller, was next to challenge. Despite a strong run, Feller couldn’t surpass Atle Lie McGrath and finished tied for fourth with Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who had already climbed significantly up the standings.
“This season hasn’t been easy with four DNFs in four races, but today I finally got to the bottom,” Feller said. “I stayed wild and aggressive—just the way I like to ski—but made the recoveries I needed to hold it together. It feels good to finish strong and show I’m still in the fight.”
“It’s been a brutal weekend for me, and I’ve had a lot of mental battles to overcome,” Pinheiro Braathen admitted. “I’m proud I was able to put something together in that last run and save this slalom. I desperately need the points to climb back up the starting list. My ambitions are high, and I set the bar high.”
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Kristoffersen Delivers Under Pressure
With two racers remaining, Norway’s Kristoffersen stepped into the start gate. Delivering excellence under pressure, Kristoffersen skied a near-perfect run and delivered a 0.52-second lead over his teammate Lie McGrath. The crowd’s attention turned to Amiez, the French morning leader and home country favorite, as he prepared to make his run. This is Kristoffersen’s 24th career slalom victory and his 3rd in Val d’Isère.
Amiez’s Run Ends in Heartbreak
The French crowd erupted in cheers as Amiez began his run, chasing his first World Cup podium. However, midway through the course, Amiez straddled a gate, ending his race and dashing the hopes of the home crowd.
Kristoffersen Secures First Win of the Season
Kristoffersen claimed his first victory of the season in commanding fashion. He was joined on the podium by teammate Lie McGrath, who finished 0.52 seconds behind, and Switzerland’s Meillard, who was 0.89 seconds off the pace.
“First of all, I feel for Steven. He’s skiing really well, and he’ll get there soon—don’t worry,” Kristoffersen said, addressing the French crowd. “Today was tough, but experience helped. It’s been eight years since I last won here, and now they can’t say it’s been too long!” Reflecting on his growth since his first Val d’Isère victory, he added, “I’m older, maybe a little calmer—except yesterday—but I’m also a father now, so I have to behave… just a little.”
Seymour Secures First Points of the Season
Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Seymour was the first to ski the second course. After failing to finish a first run in the previous two races, Seymour had just managed to qualify in 30th place. Running first on a clean course, the American put down a solid performance but lacked the speed to challenge the leaders. However, he took advantage of mistakes by other competitors, climbing nine positions in the afternoon to finish 21st and earn his first points of the season.
Pinheiro Braathen Begins His Climb
Pinheiro Braathen, the last slalom winner in Val d’Isère, was the first major name to tackle the final course. Representing Brazil, his mother’s native country, Pinheiro Braathen had struggled in the morning, qualifying 26th. In the second run, however, he found his rhythm and edged Italy’s Tobias Kastlunger by 0.18 seconds to take the lead. Together, the pair climbed the leaderboard as more racers completed their second runs. Notably, Kastlunger’s fastest second run moved him up 22 positions to finish a career-best seventh place.
Pinheiro Braathen Climbs Before Meillard Takes Over
After the first 10 racers completed their second runs, Brazil’s Pinheiro Braathen and Italy’s Kastlunger still held the top two positions. Croatian Samuel Kolega, the 17th-fastest skier in the first run, knocked Kastlunger into third but couldn’t unseat Pinheiro Braathen, who remained in the leader’s chair at the midpoint of the finale, having already climbed 10 spots on the leaderboard.
By the time 20 racers had finished, Pinheiro Braathen had impressively climbed 16 positions and still led the field. Using the second-fastest final run of the day, the Brazilian achieved a stunning 18-position climb during the afternoon before being displaced by Switzerland’s Meillard. Meillard, the sixth-fastest skier in the first run, delivered a clean and tactical performance to take over the lead, which he held until the final competitors. Pinheiro Braathen finished the day tied for fourth, having moved up a total of 22 positions during the finale.
Race Results, Analysis of the Fastest Three, and Qualified North Americans
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Analysis of the Fastest Three, and Qualified North Americans
Related Article: Steven Amiez Leads Tight Val d’Isère Slalom as Jett Seymour Sneaks Into Top 30
About the Author: Peter Lange
