Featured Image Lucas Braathen/GEPA
Levi Delivers a Strong Start to the Men’s Season
Levi delivered a spectacular start to the men’s slalom World Cup season, with clear skies, crisp temperatures, and a surface that held up beautifully under pressure. The Levi Black slope, perched above the Arctic Circle, offered a race-worthy canvas, and the Croatian course setter added flair with rhythm changes that left no room for hesitation. Precision on the pitch and speed into the flats were essential. Those who embraced full gas from gate one carried momentum where it mattered most.
Braathen Leads with Commanding Pace
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen led the charge with a run that showcased both aggression and finesse. Braathen harnessed speed over the breakover and carried it smoothly onto the flats, maintaining the kind of energy that others couldn’t quite match. His skiing was confident and clean, responding well to every shift in rhythm, ultimately building a lead that was never seriously threatened and one he held firmly from the moment he crossed the line.
Top Three Set the Tone for Run Two
Rounding out the fastest three were Clement Noël (+.41) and Timon Haugan, (+.49) who sit second and third, respectively. Noël trails Braathen by 0.41 seconds, managing the set well and looking poised to challenge in the second run. Haugan sits comfortably in third, keeping the Norwegian flag flying high and setting the stage for an exciting final push. With tight margins and a high-quality surface for run two, all eyes will be on how the top contenders respond to the rising stakes.
First Run Highlights Deep Field Ahead of Olympics
The depth of the field was clear in the opening run as teams began to set the tone for the Olympic season ahead. The Norwegians showed their strength early, placing three skiers in the top 10 and with Eirik Hystad Solberg storming from bib 49 into the top 30 in 25th place, reaffirming their status as a slalom powerhouse. The French squad was not far behind, with three skiers securing spots inside the top 15 to demonstrate their growing consistency and competitive presence. Last year’s slalom globe champion, Henrik Kristoffersen, didn’t have his usual flow and looked stiff and slightly cautious on course, finishing 9th after first run. He’ll be eager to reset for the second run and show why he remains one of the most reliable forces in men’s slalom.
Hallberg and Pohjolainen Electrify Home Crowd
The standout performances of the first run came from Finland, as 22-year-old Eduard Hallberg stormed into fifth place from bib 29. Hallberg embraced the Levi Black slope with confidence and precision, thrilling the hometown crowd with bold skiing and unshakable composure. Trailing Braathen by just 0.90 seconds, his run puts him in contention for a career-best finish. Teammate Jesper Pohjolainen also impressed with a strong start, climbing from bib 55, though he was bumped out of the top 30. His performance shows promise, and he’ll be one to watch in the upcoming races, as the fearless Finns continue to make their mark.
Strong Brits, Puckett Impresses as North Americans Battle
It was a strong showing from the British team, led by veteran Dave Ryding in 11th, with teammates Laurie Taylor and Billy Major finishing 15th and 19th, highlighting the squad’s depth and consistency. For the North Americans, it was a tougher day. Ben Ritchie delivered a solid run in 20th, Jett Seymour made a big mistake and won’t see a second run, and Luke Winters, granted a re-run under the new FIS rule after breaking a gate in front of him, was unable to climb into the top 30. Cooper Puckett made an impressive showing in his first World Cup slalom start, delivering strong, confident skiing from the top and qualifying for his first-ever second run in 26th place.Canadians Erik Read and Liam Wallace were also unable to qualify for the second run, but the Canadians will look to regroup and bounce back in the next races.
High-Bib Qualifiers
- Laurie Taylor (GBR) — bib 32 — 15th, +1.47
- Billy Major (GBR) — bib 34 — 19th, +1.65
- Yohei Koyama (JPN) — bib 54 — 21st, +2.03
- Tobias Kastlunger (ITA) — bib 38 — 23rd, +2.04
- Eirik Hystad Solberg (NOR) — bib 49 — 27th, +2.03
- Sam Maes (BEL) — bib 39 — 29th, +2.14
Stifel U.S. Ski Team – Inside Top 30
- Benjamin Ritchie (USA) — bib 17 — 20th, +1.66
- Cooper Puckett (USA) — bib 69 — 26th, +2.02
Great Britain – Inside Top 30
- Dave Ryding (GBR) — bib 9 — 11th, +1.37
- Laurie Taylor (GBR) — bib 32 — 15th, +1.47
- Billy Major (GBR) — bib 34 — 19th, +1.65
Fastest by Sector:
Sector 1: Timon Haugan (NOR)
Sector 2: Benjamin Ritchie (USA)
Sector 3: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA)
Sector 4: Atle Lie McGrath (NOR)
Run Analysis: Leaders, Qualified North Americans and British Skiers
First Run Top 30 results
About the Author: Katie Twible
